Opening Day for the 2025 MLB season is just over two weeks away, meaning it won't be much longer before the Boston Red Sox's roster is finalized.
Manager Alex Cora's lineup is shaping up to feature some new arrivals — ranging from third baseman Alex Bregman to left-handed hurler Garrett Crochet — as well as some familiar faces, such as left fielder Jarren Duran and top second base prospect Kristian Campbell. Having said that, injuries have left a handful of roster spots open, so it isn't too late for a bubble player to crack Cora's roster.
While some players are destined to be in the minors, one veteran's spring performance has made it clear he must start the 2025 campaign in the Majors.
Red Sox News: OF Trayce Thompson Must Be On Opening Day Roster
One player who's exceeded expectations this spring is veteran outfielder Trayce Thompson. The 33-year-old has been the Red Sox's best player throughout the spring slate, doing everything he can to force Cora's hand.
Nobody was expecting much from Thompson — brother of four-time NBA Champion Klay — when he signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox last month. The Los Angeles, CA native's MLB career seemed to be nearing its end after he spent the entire 2024 season in the minors with Triple-A affiliates of the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs.
Fast forward to March, and Thompson looks like a completely different player. The former 2009 second-rounder has racked up a spring training-leading six home runs through 23 at-bats while also tallying 12 RBIs, six walks, three stolen bases, and a .391/.533/1.261 slash line.
Although a similar performance likely isn't sustainable in the regular season, it's obvious that the grizzled OF still has some gas left in the tank. And as long as Thompson keeps crushing balls at the plate, the Red Sox are going to continue giving him opportunities.
"We are going to keep playing him," Cora told MLB.com's Bill Ladson on Sunday. "I'm glad he is here. We'll see what happens in the future."
With outfielders Wilyer Abreu and Roman Anthony recently sidelined with illnesses, Thompson must continue to capitalize on every opportunity he sees. Successfully doing so will keep him on track to being on the Opening Day roster, where he can help Boston fight toward a potential playoff return.
Speaking of which, FanDuel Sportsbook is currently favoring the Red Sox to return to the MLB postseason for the first time since 2021 at -134 odds — an implied probability of 57.3%.
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