Dodgers News: Trayce Thompson Says An LA Uniform Comes With High Expectations
The Los Angeles Dodgers are far from what they were on paper compared to years past. Young guys will get a chance to prove themselves, and the outfield will be different from what it has been outside of superstar Mookie Betts.
The outfield has been questioned throughout the Dodgers' offseason and continues to be in spring training. A handful of players are battling for the starting spot, and guys like Jason Heyward and James Outman have been impressive. However, the outfield battle will be temporarily paused as the leading candidate for the center field spot. Trayce Thompson will participate in the World Baseball Classic representing Team Great Britain.
Thompson is training with his team's country and caught up with MLB reporter Alanna Rizzo to talk about playing for Great Britain and his expectations for the upcoming 2023 season. Trayce says the expectations this season are no different when you don a Dodger blue jersey.
“Being a Dodger and wearing that uniform, the biggest thing is the expectation. And we expect to win a World Series every year.”
Thomspon was the surprise player in 2022 for the Boys in Blue. From not being on the roster until June to being a key contributor on both sides of the ball throughout the season.
However, in 2023, a lot will be expected of Thompson. He struggled a ton against lefties and vouched he would do what he could not to be a liability against left-handed pitchers. Thompson also made some great catches in the outfield, so we expect him to continue to deliver on the defensive end.
The 31-year-old has been around the league for a while now, and he should know more than anyone that being a Dodger is different. The fans are different, the organization is different, and most importantly, the expectations are different.
Even in a down year, the Dodgers are among the favorites to win the World Series, and that's not by accident. They still have the coaching and talent to capture another World Series title; they must hit their stride at the right time. We'll see if they can do so and if Thompson can do his part to contribute.
