Drafted in the 6th round (178th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
The Royals became Thompson's fourth organization in five months shortly after December's major league Rule 5 draft ended. He began 2003 in the Blue Jays system and was traded to the Pirates for John Wasdin in July. When Pittsburgh didn't protect Thompson on its 40-man roster, the Padres drafted him and sent him to Kansas City in a prearranged deal for Rule 5 righthander Jason Szuminski and cash. Thompson's excellent speed affords him the range to be an above-average defender and the ability to steal bases. It also factors into his offensive approach, as he'll bunt and slap singles while also legging out doubles and triples. He has just four career home runs and has never walked a lot, but flashed more power and plate discipline in the Arizona Fall League last offseason to raise his profile heading into the Rule 5 draft. He led the AFL with 28 runs, four triples and 13 steals in 25 games, and scouts ranked him as the league's fastest baserunner. Thompson's ability to play all three outfield positions and pinch-run should help him stick with the Royals as a fifth outfielder, but he'll also have to improve his offensive production. If he doesn't, he has to clear waivers and be offered back to the Pirates for half the $50,000 draft price before he can be sent to the minors.
Career Transactions
OF Rich Thompson elected free agency.
Durham Bulls activated OF Rich Thompson from the 7-day disabled list.
Durham Bulls placed OF Rich Thompson on the 7-day disabled list.
Tampa Bay Rays signed free agent OF Rich Thompson to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
LF Rich Thompson elected free agency.
Tampa Bay Rays sent Rich Thompson outright to Durham Bulls.
Tampa Bay Rays recalled Rich Thompson from Durham Bulls.
Tampa Bay Rays optioned Rich Thompson to Durham Bulls.
Tampa Bay Rays recalled Rich Thompson from Durham Bulls.
Tampa Bay Rays optioned Rich Thompson to Durham Bulls.
Durham Bulls traded OF Kyle Hudson to Lehigh Valley IronPigs for Rich Thompson.
Philadelphia Phillies traded LF Rich Thompson to Tampa Bay Rays.
Rich Thompson assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
CF Rich Thompson assigned to Philadelphia Phillies.
Philadelphia Phillies signed free agent CF Rich Thompson to a minor league contract.
CF Rich Thompson elected free agency.
OF Rich Thompson assigned to Estrellas de Oriente.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs activated CF Rich Thompson from the 7-day disabled list.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs placed CF Rich Thompson on the 7-day disabled list.
OF Rich Thompson assigned to Philadelphia Phillies.
OF Rich Thompson assigned to Gigantes del Cibao.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs signed free agent CF Rich Thompson.
OF Rich Thompson elected free agency.
OF Rich Thompson assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Reading Phillies.
Rich Thompson assigned to Reading Phillies from Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Rich Thompson assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Philadelphia Phillies.
OF Rich Thompson assigned to Philadelphia Phillies.
CF Rich Thompson elected free agency.
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