Right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson became a free agent back in October and after appearing in 104 career games with the Chicago Cubs he has officially left the organization that drafted him out of college. Thompson made his big-league debut back in 2021, when the Cubs were rebuilding, became a fan-favorite at Wrigley Field, but unfortunately had a tough 2025 season and now he’s off to a division rival.
On Tuesday, the Cincinnati Reds announced that they signed Thompson to a one-year deal. The 30-year-old last pitched in the majors during the 2024 season, when he recorded a 2.67 ERA in 24 appearances. However, Thompson was suddenly out of the bullpen mix to begin the 2025 season and was never called up by the Cubs after he dealt with an injury and ineffectiveness during the summer.
Now, Thompson will get another shot in the big leagues with the Reds in 2026.
Thompson posted a career 3.64 ERA during his time with the Cubs. The right-hander came up as a starting pitcher, but he achieved much of his success in the majors as a multi-inning reliever. He was primed to be an important piece to the Cubs’ bullpen in 2023, but early struggles earned him a demotion a couple months into that season and the organization’s confidence in Thompson was never the same.
He did have a good year in 2024, but even his positive momentum was derailed throughout the season because of various injuries.
A decent gamble for the Reds, who had an average bullpen in 2025. In 81 career relief appearances Thompson has recorded a 2.71 ERA with a 26.2 K% in 132.2 innings.
(Previous Update)
Well, the writing may have been on the wall for a while. The Chicago Cubs ended up having one of the best bullpens in MLB to end the regular season, but the group had to climb out of a hole early on in the season. Yet, when guys were struggling former fan-favorite Keegan Thompson was never called upon to add a boost to the reliever group. The right-handed pitcher spent the entire 2025 season in the minor leagues, had good numbers through the first two months, suffered an injury and then struggled in the second half.
Now, Thompson’s time in the Cubs’ organization could be done for good. The 30-year-old was picked in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Auburn and has pitched in 104 games with the Cubs in his career, but following the team’s elimination in the postseason, Thompson elected free agency.
Thompson battled for a roster spot this past spring training, but was DFA’d as the Cubs prepared to travel over to Japan for their Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-handed pitcher cleared waivers and remained in the organization, but he was taken off the 40-man roster and out righted to Triple-A, where he stayed throughout the 2025 season.
In 64 innings with the Iowa Cubs, Thompson recorded a 4.50 ERA with 83 strikeouts, 25 walks and seven home runs allowed. He had an up and down season, posting a 3.60 ERA through May 20, but that’s when he went on the injured list and missed the next five weeks of action. His return was shaky as Thompson had a 10.67 ERA in his first 11 appearances coming off the injured list. The righty did have a good, final stretch in 2025, with a 1.37 ERA in 19.2 innings with 28 strikeouts in 10 games to close out the year in Triple-A.
Overall with the Cubs, Thompson had a 3.64 ERA in 227.1 innings.
