Trayce Thompson Elects Free Agency

The Padres announced that outfielder Trayce Thompson has chosen to become a free agent after clearing outright waivers.  Thompson was designated for assignment four days ago, and since he had been previously outrighted during his career, Thompson could elect free agency rather than accepting the outright option.

After signing a minor league deal with San Diego in late March, Thompson got back to the big leagues in late April when the Padres selected his contract.  The 31-year-old appeared in six games with the Friars, with only one hit and two walks over 16 plate appearances.

The well-traveled Thompson will now hit the open market once more.  A second-round draft pick for the White Sox in 2009, Thompson’s tools (including excellent speed and the ability to play all three outfield spots) have gotten him plenty of looks over the years, but it has yet to manifest into regular production at the Major League level.

Appearing in six of the last eight MLB seasons, Thompson has a career .205/.280/.397 slash line over 640 plate appearances with five different teams.  Most of that time was spent with the White Sox and Dodgers, with briefer stints with the Padres, Cubs, and Athletics.  Thompson has also seen time in the minors with the Yankees, Guardians, and Diamondbacks but didn’t see any big league action with those three clubs.