Twins claim former first-round outfielder Bubba Thompson off waivers

The Twins claimed outfielder Bubba Thompson off waivers Wednesday.

Thompson had been designated for assignment by the New York Yankees last week. Since Minnesota had open spots on its 40-man roster, a corresponding move will not be necessary.

Thompson was a first-round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2017. The right-handed outfielder made his major league debut in 2022 for Texas, batting .265/.302/.312 with one homer, nine RBIs and 56 strikeouts in 55 games.

The 25-year-old bounced between the Rangers and Triple-A throughout the 2023 season before being waived in August. Thompson was picked up by the Royals where he hit four home runs with a .259 average for Kansas City's Triple-A affiliate Omaha Storm Chasers.

Thompson was picked up off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds in late October before ending up on waivers again two months later with the Yankees claiming him in early January.