CUBS CUT TIES: Relief Pitcher’s Time in Chicago Comes to an Abrupt End
After not being added to the travel list for the Tokyo Series, Chicago Cubs reliever Keegan Thompson is expected to be released by the team later this week, per Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged to Lee that Thompson has been pushed out of the bullpen.
It is hard to evaluate Spring Training, but ultimately, that was how we made the decision. I thought Keegan threw well here, but ultimately, we felt like some guys were better. Realistically, we knew coming into camp that we’d have to make some hard decisions.
Thompson has spent parts of four MLB seasons with Chicago and has been up and down over the past couple of years, posting a 4.71 ERA in 2023 before bouncing back with a solid 2.67 ERA in 2024.
He emerged as a starter, making 23 starts for the Cubs in his first two seasons before transitioning into a swingman/long reliever role. His versatility could make him an appealing target for a team like the New York Yankees or Baltimore Orioles, lacking starting pitching depth due to injuries.
After a full bullpen, Thompson failed to make an impression in spring training that would show he could contribute to the Cubs’ success in 2025. He is out of minor league options, meaning he will likely have a new team in 2025.
With third baseman Matt Shaw traveling to Tokyo and not yet on the 40-man roster, it seems likely that the move to make room for Shaw will be the release of Thompson. Rosters are not due until March 17, so Thompson has a few days left with the Cubs.
If Thompson is indeed released, the team that picks him up will look to capitalize on his potential, which he showed in his first two MLB seasons.
