Former McGill-Toolen star back on MLB roster
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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A former star at McGill-Toolen is continuing his dream of playing in the MLB. Leftfielder Bubba Thompson was added to the 26-man roster for the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, a day before the Opening Day of the 2024 MLB Season.
The decision to put Thompson comes less than two weeks after the Reds sent him down to their Triple-A team, the Louisville Bats despite a productive Spring Training on March 13. The Reds have already seen two of their impactful veterans on injured reserve.
He is among the most active batters for the Reds this spring and matched the productivity to players like the 2023 rookie sensation in third base Elly De La Cruz.
Cincinnati picked up Thompson on February 13 after spending time on the minor league roster for three teams since late December.
After a stellar high school baseball career at McGill-Toolen, Thompson had the chance to play college baseball at Auburn, Tennessee or Mississippi State. Thompson opted for the 2017 MLB Draft, where he would be drafted in the first round with the 26th overall pick by the Texas Rangers.
Thompson spent five seasons in the Minor League, all under the Rangers’ control. He made his MLB debut in August 4, 2022 against the Chicago White Sox, where he also accounted for his first hit. In 55 games that season, Thompson accounted for 18 runs, 45 hits, five double base hits, one home run, nine RBIs, and 18 stolen bases in 170 at-bats.
This past season, he had a significantly less impactful performance as he was waived two and a half months before the Rangers won the World Series. He did, however, receive a World Series ring. Thompson battled his way through three teams in the Minor Leagues to get back at the level of playing in the MLB, this time for the Reds.
Baseball Reference projects Thompson to be a significant role player by accounting for his best season yet in the Major Leagues. Thompson is projected to account for 31 runs, 56 hits, 11 double-base hits, five home runs, 23 RBIs, 14 stolen bases and 84 total bases in 224 at-bats.
Cincinnati opened the 2024 MLB Season with an 8-2 home win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday. The Reds will play their second game of the season at home on Saturday with Thompson patiently for his chance to get his turn at the plate.
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