BREAKING NEWS: Cincinnati Reds made announcement that 25-years old outfielder key man has been sent down to Triple-A on option.

The Cincinnati Reds have sent outfielder Bubba Thompson to Triple-A, as announced by the team on Wednesday.

Ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the Reds’ farm system, right-handed pitcher Connor Phillips has also been reassigned to Louisville. Additionally, outfielder Conner Capel, infielder Erick Gonzalez, and utility man Mark Mathias have been reassigned to the minor league camp, reducing the Reds’ major league camp roster to 39 players.

While Phillips is expected to make it to the big leagues either this year or the next, Thompson’s demotion is more significant. Once considered a top prospect with the Texas Rangers, the 25-year-old is now out of contention for an Opening Day roster spot, having switched teams five times in the last seven months.

Thompson had been performing well in Spring Training, batting .353 with an .892 OPS in 11 Cactus League games.

The #Reds today announced the following transactions: pic.twitter.com/irdAXP1txR

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 13, 2024

Once hailed as one of the Texas Rangers’ most promising prospects after being selected in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Bubba Thompson’s trajectory has been marked by highs and lows. Initially ranked among the top five prospects in the Rangers’ farm system in both 2018 and 2019, Thompson’s standing dropped to 29th by 2022.

 

Despite making his major league debut that same year and showing promise with a .265 batting average and a .613 OPS in 55 games, Thompson struggled upon his return to the majors in 2023, batting just .170 with a .520 OPS in 37 games. Notably, he has faced difficulties against left-handed pitchers, hitting only .165 compared to his .285 average against right-handers. However, he has showcased his speed, stealing 22 bases on 27 attempts throughout his MLB career.

In the minors, Thompson has demonstrated consistent production, averaging 20 home runs, 81 RBI, and 58 stolen bases per 162 games. His success was evident in Triple-A as well, particularly in 2022 when he posted a .304 batting average with an .829 OPS.

Despite his potential, Thompson’s journey has been marked by frequent team changes. Following his designation for assignment by the Rangers last August, he has been claimed by the Kansas City Royals via waivers, then moved to the Reds, the New York Yankees, the Minnesota Twins, and back to the Reds in the span of a single offseason.