Rangers OF Bubba Thompson: 'I'm Having Fun'

Bubba Thompson is one of many competing for the left-field job, but that doesn't faze the Rangers rookie.

Bubba Thompson ended last season as the Texas Rangers’ starting left fielder. It seems the Rangers have gone out of their way to deliver as much competition as possible for Thompson’s job.

His reaction? It doesn’t appear to be freaking him out.

“I’m having fun with all of these guys and figuring out what I need to do,” Thompson said Tuesday. “I want to be able to do anything they need me to do on the field. Just make sure that my body and my skills are ready.”

Left field has become the one job in the field that feels up for grabs. Even though Thompson ended last season as the starter, a pair of converted infielders are in pursuit — Josh Smith and Ezequiel Duran.

There is also Brad Miller, a holdover from last year, who can play infield and outfield. Plus, the Rangers just brought in former Atlanta Braves outfielder Robbie Grossman, who hit better than .300 against left-handed pitching in 2022 and is a 10-year veteran.

And, there’s Mark Mathias, another super-utility player who can field multiple positions.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy has watched the tape on Thompson. He knows what he brings and, more importantly, he believes Thompson has a much higher ceiling in the future.

Bochy called him a potential “game-changer” last week.

“Look at the game today,” Bochy said. “You know how they’re promoting it now, the stolen base is back. He’s one of the fastest guys in the game.”

Thompson batted .265/.302/.312/.614 in 55 games with the Rangers after his call-up in August. He has a solid glove, but once he gets on base Thompson can deploy his speed, which Rangers general manager Chris Young called a “unique separator skill.”

Thompson stole 18 bases last season for Texas and was caught just three times. Before his call-up, he set Triple-A Round Rock’s single-season stolen base record … in July.

He also has a head start on one of the rules changes for 2023, the larger bases. Triple-A teams used those last year. The larger bases are designed to make plays in the field safer.

That, combined with the pitch clock and the limited times that pitchers can throw to bases, could make the stolen base a big deal again.

Thompson got experience with all of that last season but he hasn’t changed his approach.

“I don’t know how many I’m going to steal,” Thompson said. “In mind it’s like, ‘If I’m going, I’m going.’ But also the bases are going to be closer. But we can’t steal first base. We still need a good pitch to hit and then everything else is going to play out.”

Whatever happens, Thompson just wants a role. And a chance to get on base.

Like he said, if he’s going, he’s going. And his history tells the Rangers and opponents that he’ll be hard to catch.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard

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