As spring training headlines begin to fade and roster decisions loom, one of the more subtle but telling stories for the Boston Red Sox centers around their overcrowded outfield. With young, dynamic options like Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela all vying for everyday roles, Boston’s depth has turned into a bottleneck — one that could soon force the organization’s hand.

That abundance of outfield talent leaves little breathing room for veterans hoping to claw their way back to the majors, and Trayce Thompson may soon be the latest casualty of that numbers game.

The 34-year-old outfielder, a seven-year MLB veteran, flashed impressive power early in the spring, launching six home runs and posting a 1.280 OPS across 19 games. For a brief moment, it seemed like Thompson might make a late push for the Opening Day roster. But the surge didn’t carry over into the regular season. Instead, he spent the entire year at Triple-A Worcester, where he played 94 games and hit .226 with 13 home runs, 20 doubles, and 44 RBIs.

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Thompson is expected to elect free agency in the coming days. He was never added to the 40-man roster and may seek an opportunity elsewhere — one that provides a clearer path back to the big leagues. “Expect more Red Sox minor leaguers not on the 40-man to hit free agency soon,” Cotillo noted. “Among them: Trayce Thompson.”

Thompson, the younger brother of NBA star Klay Thompson, has appeared in 369 MLB games across six organizations — including the Dodgers, White Sox, Athletics, Cubs, and Padres. Though nothing is official yet, his expected departure would be a formality for a player of his experience level, one still holding out hope for a final big-league shot.

For Boston, the move would free up space for its rising prospects — while for Thompson, it could mark the beginning of one last search for a home in professional baseball.