Yankees claim speedy OF Bubba Thompson off waivers from Reds
The Yankees added elite speed to their outfield mix Thursday, claiming Bubba Thompson off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
Thompson, 25, appeared in 92 games for the Texas Rangers over the past two seasons, batting .242 with a home run, 22 stolen bases and 28 runs scored.
Originally a 2017 first-round pick by Texas, Thompson last season recorded a sprint speed of 30.4 feet per second, which trailed only the 30.5 feet per second put up by the Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. and the Reds’ Elly De La Cruz.
The Rangers designated Thompson for assignment in August, and the Royals claimed him off waivers. The Reds then claimed Thompson off waivers from Kansas City in October before designating him for assignment themselves late last month.
Thompson, who was added to the Yankees’ 40-man roster, joins a crowded outfield that also includes Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, as well as new additions Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo and Trent Grisham.
Thompson, who bats right-handed, has played all three outfield positions at the MLB level.
