As Mookie Betts was sidelined due to a fracture in his right ribs this past June, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a short-term need for a right-handed hitting outfielder. They ultimately acquired Trayce Thompson from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations.
It marked a reunion as Thompson previously played for the Dodgers during the 2016-17 seasons. Over parts of two years with the club, he hit .207/.287/.407 with 13 doubles, 14 home runs and 34 RBI in 107 games.
Thompson began the 2022 season with the San Diego Padres and struggled in six games before getting designated for assignment in May. He went on to sign a Minor League contract with the Tigers and played for their Triple-A Toledo affiliate.
Thompson hit .299/.352/.639 with seven doubles, eight home runs and 19 RBI across 25 games with the Mud Hens. With his opt-out clause approaching, the Tigers traded Thompson to the Dodgers, where he immediately began producing.
The 31-year-old batted .292/.320/.458 with one double, one home run and five RBI in his first nine games with L.A. during June. He continued that success in the following months and finished the regular season with a .268/.364/.537 batting line with 14 doubles, 13 home runs and 39 RBI across 239 plate appearances (74 games).
However, if there was a downside with Thompson, it was his struggles against left-handed pitching.
Thompson was nonetheless included on the Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster and went 2-for-13 in four games against the Padres.
Trayce Thompson 2022 highlight
Thompson enjoyed his best performance of the 2022 season on August 12 against the Kansas City Royals when he went 3-for-4 with a double, home run and three RBI.
2023 outlook
After a resurgent season with the Dodgers, Thompson is entering his first year of salary arbitration.
As it currently stands, he is on track to receive significant playing time in center field but also figures to have plenty of opportunities in the corner outfield spots as well.
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