Cincinnati Reds Re-Claim Former Rangers Prospect Bubba Thompson Off Waivers From Twins
The Cincinnati Reds have claimed outfielder Bubba Thompson off waivers from the Minnesota Twins, the team announced Tuesday.
Minnesota designated Thompson for assignment on Feb. 7 as part of a six-man roster shakeup. In order to make room for Thompson on their own 40-man roster, Cincinnati has designated right-handed pitcher Levi Stoudt for assignment.
The Reds had Thompson for a brief stretch earlier this offseason, initially claiming him off waivers from the Kansas City Royals in October. The Royals, meanwhile, had added Thompson off waivers from the Texas Rangers in August.
Thompson lost his spot with the Reds when they signed veteran relief pitcher Buck Farmer in December. After spending three weeks with the New York Yankees and two with the Twins, Thompson is now on his way back to Cincinnati.
Thompson made his big league debut that year, batting .265 with a .613 OPS in 55 games. When he returned to the majors in 2023, Thompson hit .170 with a .520 OPS in 37 games.
Left-handed pitchers have limited Thompson to a .165 batting average in the majors, compared to his .285 average against righties. Thompson has at least managed to flash his above-average speed at the MLB level, stealing 22 bases on 27 tries for his career.
