Let's talk Trayce Thompson, the Dodgers third slugging outfielder

The Dodgers have a third outfielder who is hitting for power, and he's a guy who hasn't really been on the fantasy radar yet. Trayce Thompson is owned in just 3% of Yahoo leagues, primarily because he hasn't had consistent playing time locked up. But a fantasy owner might want to consider buying in very soon, because he's turning in some eye catching numbers at the big league level, and more playing time might be opening up.

First, some background info on Thompson. The Dodgers acquired him from the White Sox last winter in the 3 team Todd Frazier trade. Thompson was the #5 prospect in the White Sox system according to Baseball America, and the #26 ranked center field prospect in the minors prior to this year. Thompson's brother is Klay Thompson, the all world shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors.

Here's what Baseball Prospectus had to say about Thompson in their Dodgers top 10 list from March (which Thompson did not make):

Thompson has been a project ever since the White Sox popped him in the second round out of high school in 2009. He strung together the best 135 PA sample of his career in the big leagues last season, slugging .533 and playing competently across three outfield positions. While he’s never hit for that kind of power before, he has the wiry-strength, bat speed, and loft in his swing to hit his share of long balls. He’s at least a fourth outfielder, and could be a bit more if he proves more adept at handling big league offspeed pitches than anticipated. His improved plate discipline last season gives fans a reason to hope.

After Thompson's two home run game last night, manager Dave Roberts said that Thompson is playing his way into everyday outfielder conversation. Thompson now has 6 home runs through 77 PA this year, which is tied for most on the Dodgers with Corey Seager and Joc Pederson. It's led to a .319 ISO and 153 wRC+ this year, and rounds out a career slash line of .294/.354/.562 with 11 HR.

He now has just under 200 big league at bats with both the White Sox and Dodgers, and he's running an ISO of .268. Research over at Baseball Prospectus indicates that ISO stabilizes around 160 AB, so there's some indication that his power has not been a fluke.

It's important to note that some of his stats this year are a little skewed because the Dodgers have played him a lot against lefties. He's faced close to an even amount of LHP and RHP this year, which he wouldn't as an every day player, because there are more right handed pitchers than left handed pitchers. But his two home runs came against RHP last night, which gives him more home runs vs RHP (6) than LHP (5) so far in his MLB career. His career line vs RHP is also a very strong .276/.361/.505 with a .229 ISO, 136 wRC+, 12% BB% and 23% K%. The sample size is small, but he's hit RHP very well so far.

More playing time appears to be opening up, too. Carl Crawford has been a below average offensive player since the start of 2015 and has had a disastrous start to 2016 with a 39 wRC+ and .087 ISO. Enrique Hernandez has also been significantly below average this year, with a 68 wRC+ and .125 ISO. Manager Dave Roberts said after last night's game that Thompson will start tonight. It's possible he could take over some significant time in the Dodger outfield the rest of the season.

For seasonal leagues, he's just 3% owned in Yahoo, so there's a very good chance he's available in your league. A fantasy owner might want to pounce on him now before his stock rises further, especially in a deeper league where less quality players are available on the free agent list or waiver wire.

And for FanDuel Daily leagues, Thompson is priced at $2,700 for tonight's game, and will start against Jered Weaver, a significantly below average pitcher.