Trayce Thompson off to a hot start in spring training

Photo Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

With Opening Day less than a month away, the Red Sox roster is mostly set. However there are a few players still battling for a spot including Trayce Thompson. The former second round pick signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox a few weeks ago and has been swinging a hot bat ever since.

So far in spring training, Thompson has been one of the team's best hitters. In 18 at-bats, the 33-year-old has posted a .278 batting average and driven in five runs. He has also shown off his power with three home runs and one double. Entering play on Wednesday, Thompson leads the Red Sox in home runs and is tied for the team lead in hits with five. 

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Although it is a small sample size, Thompson's play has been hard to ignore. He has made the most of every at-bat and has been a consistent source of offense. Even with a slim shot at making the roster, Thompson is making a compelling case for a bench spot. 

The Red Sox outfield includes Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder, and Masataka Yoshida. They should also have top prospects, such as Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell, to rely on by midseason at the latest.  While that will leave little playing for Thompson, he could be a valuable depth piece early on in the season.

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For Thompson, his hot start is an encouraging sign. After hitting .256 with 13 home runs during the 2022 campaign, he has struggled mightily the last two years. He has struck out 77 times in that span and only appeared in 62 games.

Over the last few weeks, he has looked more like the player he was three years ago.

If Thompson can build on his recent play, it will be hard for the Red Sox not to give him a shot to start the season.