The Boston Red Sox’s spring training has been anything but predictable, featuring the signing of Alex Bregman, injuries to pitchers, and a stomach virus that side lined several players for days. Amid the chaos, two unexpected outfielders have emerged as standout performers at the plate.
Trayce Thompson and Nate Eaton have impressed in 11 and 15 Grapefruit League games, respectively, shining alongside Boston’s top prospects and established players.
Thompson has surprised many with his power surge, leading the league with six home runs while posting an eye-popping .391/.533/1.261 slash line and an incredible 1.794 OPS. The 33-year-old journeyman, who didn’t see major league action last season, may be playing his way onto the roster. In 2024, he batted .233/.315/.471 across 107 games with the Mets and Cubs’ Triple-A affiliates.
Eaton has also made a strong case for himself early in camp. Signed by the Red Sox in November after spending 2024 in the minors, the former Royals prospect slashed .252/.298/.439 with Triple-A Omaha last year. This spring, however, he has been a force at the plate, hitting .259/.394/.741 with a 1.135 OPS and three home runs, making a compelling push for a roster spot.
Boston Red Sox spring training has been full of surprises, from the Alex Bregman signing to injuries to pitchers to a stomach virus sidelining multiple players for days. Two unexpected outfielders have also stolen the show at the plate.
Trayce Thompson and Nate Eaton have appeared in 11 and 15 Grapefruit League games, respectively, and they’ve shown out on offense among Boston’s top prospects and established stars.
Thompson has turned heads with his surprising burst of pop this spring — he’s mashed a league-leading six homers in his short stint with the Red Sox and is slashing .391/.533/1.261 with a staggering 1.794 OPS. The 33-year-old journeyman didn’t appear in the big leagues last season but may be playing his way into a roster spot with Boston. He slashed .233/.315/.471 over 107 games between the Mets and Cubs’ Triple-A affiliates in 2024.
Eaton has also made quite an impression in the early goings of spring training. The Red Sox signed the former Royals prospect in November and, like Thompson, he spent the 2024 campaign in the minor leagues. He slashed .252/.298/.439 with Triple-A Omaha last season but has found himself at Red Sox camp. He’s batting .259/.394/.741 with a 1.135 OPS and three home runs, and he makes a convincing case for a roster spot.
Wilyer Abreu illness shouldn’t have Red Sox exploring outside options
https://x.com/RedSox/status/1898817987198554554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1898817987198554554%7Ctwgr%5E5f3e2c687d27644bec63636d6edacb30d2318e79%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbosoxinjection.com%2F2-red-sox-non-roster-invitees-battling-for-position-in-the-outfield
Eaton and Thompson’s surprising performances have come at an opportune time. Reports indicate that Wilyer Abreu, Boston’s 2024 Gold Glove outfielder, is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day as he recovers from a gastrointestinal illness. According to Sean McAdam of MassLive, the Red Sox are in search of a “Quad-A” player—someone who can move between the majors and Triple-A when injuries arise (subscription required). Eaton and Thompson may already fit that role.
Both are right-handed hitters, which Boston needs, and their strong spring performances warrant at least a look as depth options on the major league roster. If healthy, the Red Sox outfield will likely consist of Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Abreu, with Rob Refsnyder and Masataka Yoshida as potential backups. However, Yoshida is still recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum, and his throwing progression remains behind schedule, making it doubtful he will be ready to play the field by Opening Day.
Eaton has two minor league options remaining, allowing Boston to send him down once Abreu returns. Thompson, on the other hand, is out of options and would need to clear waivers if the Red Sox attempted to send him to Triple-A Worcester.
Despite their lack of name recognition, Eaton and Thompson could be more valuable than the few free-agent alternatives, such as former Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo. Their impressive spring training performances may earn them a roster spot or, at the very least, a key depth role for the team.
