Reds news: Speedy outfielder plucked off waivers from Kansas City Royals

Run, Bubba! Run!

Drew Koch

Texas Rangers left fielder Bubba Thompson (65) rounds third / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No, it's not that right-handed hitting power-bat that Reds fans have been clamoring for, but Bubba Thompson does bring something exciting to the Cincinnati Reds - speed!

On Thursday, the Reds claimed Thompson off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. The 25-year-old hit .170/.237/.283 in just 60 plate appearances last season while playing for the Texas Rangers.

Thompson spent the majority of his professional career in the minor leagues. In 65 games at Triple-A last season, Thompson slashed .259/.338/.395 with a wRC+ of 82 according to FanGraphs.

Reds news: Speedy outfielder plucked off waivers from Kansas City Royals

The Cincinnati Reds proved one thing last season - they're not afraid to run. The Reds led the league in stolen bases and made a living out of scoring runs by going first to third and hustling for that extra bases. If nothing else, Bubba Thompson fits the makeup of this Reds team.

Now whether or not he actually makes the team or remains on the 40-man roster is something else entirely. One benefit for Thompson, however, is that he has minor league options remaining.

The Cincinnati Reds made a similar acquisition last offseason after swinging a trade for another long-suffering outfielder who was drafted in the first round. Cincinnati acquired Will Benson from the Cleveland Guardians, and the outfielder solidified his 2024 roster spot with solid play last season.

None of this is to suggest that Bubba Thompson will break camp with the Reds next spring or become the newest reclamation project for the Cincinnati coaching staff.

But adding a speedster like Thompson who, according to Baseball Savant, is about as fast as Elly De la Cruz, shouldn't be seen as anything but an asset.

Drew Koch

Drew Koch has been an MLB Staff Writer since January 2024 and part of the FanSided Network since June 2018. Drew's contributions have been published on Blog Red Machine, Friars on Base, BoSox Injection, Lombardi Avenue, Wildcat Blue Nation, Motor City Bengals, and many other sites within the FanSided Network. When he's not cheering wildly for the Cincinnati Reds or the Kentucky Wildcats, Drew enjoys fishing, golfing, playing cribbage and other card games, listening to country and classical music, and spending time with his family and friends.