The Miami Marlins are adding another familiar baseball name to their organization, bringing former major league outfielder Trayce Thompson into the baseball operations department. The move also reunites Thompson with two familiar faces from his previous stops in Los Angeles: manager Clayton McCullough and general manager Gabe Kapler.

The Marlins announced Friday that Thompson will split his time between Miami and Triple-A Jacksonville, giving the organization an experienced baseball presence with plenty of familiarity with its leadership.

Thompson, 35, spent seven seasons in the major leagues between 2015 and 2023, appearing with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres. Across 369 career games, he compiled a .212 batting average with 45 home runs, 41 doubles, five triples and 17 stolen bases.

His connection to McCullough dates back to their time together with the Dodgers. Thompson played in Los Angeles during 2016 and 2017 before returning to the organization in 2022. McCullough was serving as a first-base coach during Thompson's second stint, which included a productive campaign in which the outfielder hit .268 with 13 home runs and 39 RBIs in 205 at-bats.

Thompson's relationship with Kapler also provides another connection to the Dodgers organization. Kapler previously worked in Los Angeles, overlapping with Thompson during the outfielder's earlier tenure.

While Thompson's playing career has taken him across several organizations, his baseball experience could provide value to a Miami franchise continuing to develop its young talent. His ability to play all three outfield positions also gives him an understanding of different defensive responsibilities and the demands of the professional game.

Thompson most recently represented Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, while also appearing in the Mexican League and Atlantic League.

There is another interesting family connection accompanying the move. Thompson's older brother, Klay, the four-time NBA champion, joined the Miami Heat this season, bringing the two brothers into the same professional sports market.

For the Marlins, however, the bigger story is the addition of an experienced baseball mind who already understands the philosophies and personalities of the people running the organization. That familiarity could make Thompson a useful addition as Miami continues building toward its next competitive chapter.

Down on the field, Clayton McCullough's staff of coaches will look pretty much the same as in 2026. The only exception will be at the hitting coach's slot. Pedro Guerrero was relieved of his duties by Miami's president of baseball operations, Peter Bendix, at the conclusion of the regular season.

Following his departure, the Marlins found a replacement who was already in-house. They have inserted Dillon Lawson to take the role, nd he has promised a much more aggressive approach and more attempts to drive pitches in the strike zone.

In other words: No weak contact. Or, as Lawson likes to put it, Hit strikes hard.

That bodes well for an offense looking for a little more punch in 2026. The team hits well, led by second runner-up in the National League batting race, Otto Lopez, and they can definitely steal bases when they are on.

But the team doesn't have a true power threat in the middle of the order. No Marlin hit 30 home runs or more last season. Heriberto Hernandez led the squad led with 25 bombs. Hopefully, Lawson can help the team turn up the power in 2027.