Who is Trayce Thompson's brother?
Trayce Thompson is the younger brother of professional baseball outfielder Mychel Thompson. Both are sons of former NBA player Mychal Thompson, making them part of a prominent basketball-and-baseball family. Mychel played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers and other teams, while Trayce has appeared in MLB for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals. Below, we detail their careers, family background, and notable shared milestones.
Family background and upbringing
Trayce and Mychel Thompson are the sons of Mychal Thompson, an eight-time NBA All‑Center who won championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987 and 1988. Growing up in a high‑profile athletic household in Los Angeles, both brothers pursued baseball rather than following their father into basketball. Trayce attended Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California, and played college baseball at the University of Portland before entering professional baseball.
Mychel Thompson’s baseball career
Mychel Thompson was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2008 and later played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Knicks (NBA, G League), and other teams. He reached Triple‑A and had brief MLB call‑ups, including stints with the Dodgers in 2011 and 2012. He primarily played outfield and first base, showcasing defensive versatility and power hitting in the minors.
Mychel Thompson’s career highlights
- Drafted by the Cleveland Indians, 2008 (31st round, 944th overall)
- MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2011
- Played in 26 MLB games across parts of two seasons; batting average .250 with 2 home runs
Trayce Thompson’s professional trajectory
Trayce Thompson was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2012 and reached MLB in 2016 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he recorded his first major‑league hit and home run. He has also played for the Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals. Known as a power hitter, Trayce has spent considerable time in Triple‑A and has contended for regular‑season roster spots.
Trayce Thompson’s career milestones
- Drafted by the Chicago White Sox, 2012 (10th round, 307th overall)
- MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, April 14, 2016
- Hit his first MLB home run, July 10, 2016
Shared family traits and influences
The Thompson brothers benefited from a strong athletic upbringing and a father who modeled discipline and professionalism in a high‑level sport. Mychal Thompson has emphasized in interviews the importance of work ethic and perspective, values both sons carried into their baseball careers. Growing up in a media‑sensitive environment also taught them how to handle attention at various levels of competition.
Career performance comparison
A comparison of their MLB and minor‑league output highlights both shared opportunities and individual paths.
| Attribute | Trayce Thompson | Mychel Thompson | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLB teams | Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals | Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates | MLB/ESPN/Retrosheet |
| MLB games played | 129+ (as of 2024) | 26 | Baseball Reference |
| MLB batting average | .225–.235 range | .250 | Baseball Reference |
| MLB home runs | 30+ | 2 | Baseball Reference |
| Draft year | 2012 | 2008 | MLB Draft records |
| Primary positions | Outfield | Outfield/First base | Team rosters/minor‑league profiles |
How they balance rivalry and brotherhood
Trayce and Mychel have at times competed for roster spots and recognition while remaining close as siblings. They have spoken about motivating each other in the minors and celebrating milestones together publicly. In interviews and social media, they present a united family front, underscoring that competition coexists with strong personal bonds.
Frequently asked questions
- Do Trayce and Mychel Thompson get along? Yes. Both have described a supportive brother relationship, even amid competitive moments in professional baseball.
- Did either brother play basketball professionally? Mychel briefly pursued basketball in the NBA G League. Trayce has not played professional basketball.
- What role did their father play in their careers? Mychal Thompson emphasized discipline, perspective, and long‑term thinking. Both sons have credited him for helping them navigate high‑pressure environments.
Reliable sources and verification guidance
Information in this article is drawn from publicly available records, including MLB and Baseball Reference, team press releases, and reputable sports news archives. Independent verification is recommended for updated stats or family statements. Avoid speculative or unverified sources that may conflate career details or family matters.
Bottom line
Trayce Thompson’s brother is Mychel Thompson, also a professional baseball player. They share a father in former NBA star Mychal Thompson and have navigated the challenges and benefits of growing up in a high‑profile athletic family. Their careers show parallel opportunities in professional baseball, with distinct paths and enduring sibling support.