Prior to any Minor League prospect reaching the Majors they typically will have endured several trials and tribulations as they made their way up an organization’s farm system.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent three team-trade with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox brought three new prospects to the organization.
Frankie Montas is the headliner, though Micah Johnson and Trayce Thompson could just as well play an important role for the Dodgers.
All three spent time with the White Sox last season, with Johnson receiving the most playing time of the trio.
For Johnson, playing in the Majors was another opportunity to validate Chicago selecting him in the second round of the 2009 draft. As Thompson struggled throughout his young career, he’s been able to lean on Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, via Jon Weisman of Dodger Insider:
“Luckily enough, my best friend since I was 13 or 14 years old when we moved down to California, is one of the best players in Major League Baseball, and that’s Nolan Arenado. I’ve been picking his brain for the last three or four years, ever since he got called up. … I definitely have a lot of resources to help me out as far my mental edge as well as my physical edge in this game.”
Thompson also has a friendship with Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson, according to ESPN’s Mark Saxon:
“I know I can be an everyday major-leaguer, but as far as what position, that’s not up to me, it’s up to the coaches,” Thompson said. “Joc and I are really good buddies, he’s an amazing player and his talent makes the team better. Hopefully, the coaches find a way to get us both in there.”
In 44 games with the White Sox last season Thompson hit 295/.363/.533 with five home runs, eight doubles and had 16 RBIs. He also drew 13 walks, but had 26 strikeouts in 135 plate appearances. He hit .260/.304/.441 with 13 home runs and 39 RBIs over 104 games with Triple-A Charlotte.
While there’s speculation Thompson or any of the two other prospects acquired in the trade may be dealt in the Dodgers’ effort to acquire a starting pitcher, he for now can take solace in being in the same state as his father, former Los Angeles Lakers center Mychal Thompson, and brother, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson.
