Yankees' Newest Signing is Elite in One Key Area

The New York Yankees haven’t made a ton of noise this offseason, outside of the trade for star slugger Juan Soto. However, that doesn’t mean New York isn’t looking to make additions where they see fit.

For a team with so much star power, the small signings at various spots could help them get back into the MLB postseason this season.

Yankees News: New York Adds Former First-Round Pick Bubba Thompson

The Yankees added to their outfielder depth Thursday, claiming Bubba Thompson off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. 

The 25-year-old Thompson was recently designated for assignment by Cincinnati after being claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals in October. Thompson isn’t much of a hitter, as he slashed .242/.286/.305 in 241 career plate appearances with the Texas Rangers. 

However, he has a ton of speed, which could help him stick on the Yankees’ 40-man roster and potentially make the Opening Day squad. Thompson has recorded 22 stolen bases in 92 games with the Rangers. 

Additionally, the outfielder produced 27 stolen bases in the minors this past season. The former first-round pick was also ranked third in StatCast sprint speed (30.4), placing him behind only Bobby Witt Jr. and Elly De La Cruz.

We saw the damage that guys such as Ronald Acuna Jr., Esteury Ruiz, and De La Cruz were able to do on the base paths last season and how it changes the game.

With a lineup that features Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton, they'll need Thompson to get on base and make life miserable for the opposing team's starting pitcher. This is a great low-risk, high-reward signing for the Yankees as they try to get back to the top of the AL East and hopefully get back to the World Series for the first time since 2009.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.