Thompson, a 27-year-old outfielder, is the son of former Laker Mychal Thompson and the brother of current Golden State Warriors star Klay.
Thompson hit 13 home runs in 2016 before a back fracture ended his campaign. He struggled at the plate throughout 2017. He posted a .483 on-base plus slugging percentage last season.
Thompson joins a Yankees team that has suffered a few injuries to its outfield in the early going of this season. The team lost outfielders Aaron Hicks and Billy McKinney to various ailments during the first series of the season.