The Minnesota Twins have bolstered their roster by claiming outfielder Bubba Thompson from the New York Yankees’ waiver list. Thompson had been placed for assignment on January 19 following the Yankees’ acquisition of pitcher Luke Weaver.
Weaver signed a one-season deal with the Yankees worth $2 million, with a club option for the 2025 season that could bring the total value of the deal to $8.5 million.
The Yankees announced earlier today that they had outrighted infielder Jeter Downs and outfielder Oscar González to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while the Twins claimed Thompson off waivers.
Minnesota sees Thompson as a potential insurance policy for their outfield, with the expectation that he will start the season in the minor leagues unless he impresses in spring training. The Twins already have a strong outfield following the acquisitions of Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo.
Thompson played 37 games in the MLB with the Texas Rangers in 2023, posting an offensive line of .170/.237/.283 with 5 extra-base hits, 4 RBIs, and 4 stolen bases. In the Triple-A branches of the Rangers and Kansas City Royals, he had a more solid performance, with an average of .259/.338/.395, 14 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs, 34 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases.
Overall, the addition of Thompson provides depth and potential for the Minnesota Twins as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.