The New York Mets hit a grand slam in their spring training game on Monday.
The player responsible?
Outfielder Trayce Thompson.
A journeyman who has played for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres, Thompson signed a minor league contract with the Mets, one that included an invitation to spring training.
He is making the best out of his opportunity so far, according to Mets insider Anthony DiComo.
“The Mets’ first grand slam of spring comes courtesy of Trayce Thompson, Klay’s brother, a non-roster invitee looking to make the team as a backup outfielder. Thompson hit 13 homers in 2022 but struggled quite a bit last season,” DiComo tweeted.
The Mets’ first grand slam of spring comes courtesy of Trayce Thompson, Klay’s brother, a non-roster invitee looking to make the team as a backup outfielder.
Thompson hit 13 homers in 2022 but struggled quite a bit last season. https://t.co/hQjpyWSYAm
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 26, 2024
The brother of NBA champion Klay Thompson, Trayce has had himself a good career at the MLB level.
He has a little over $3.6 million in career earnings and has a .711 OPS in his nine-year career.
The outfielder had a rough 2023, though: in 72 games between the Dodgers and White Sox, he hit a paltry .163/.285/.294 with a .579 OPS.
The Mets are hoping he can regain his 2022 form.
That year, he slashed a solid .256/.353/.507 with a .860 OPS in 80 games between the Padres and Dodgers.
He hit 13 home runs that year.
Right now, Starling Marte, Brandon Nimmo, and Harrison Bader are the Mets’ starting outfielders, while Tyrone Taylor (acquired in December via trade) projects to be a reserve.
If Thompson swings the bat like he did in 2022, or on Monday, he will have a shot at securing a roster spot on the new-look Mets.
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