After not being included in the travel roster for the Tokyo Series, Chicago Cubs reliever Keegan Thompson is expected to be released by the team later this week, according to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer confirmed to Lee that Thompson had been pushed out of the bullpen. Hoyer explained, “Spring Training is tough to assess, but in the end, that’s how we made the decision.
I thought Keegan pitched well, but we felt that others were better. We knew coming into camp that difficult decisions would need to be made.” Thompson, who has spent parts of four seasons with the Cubs, has been inconsistent in recent years, posting a 4.71 ERA in 2023 before rebounding with a solid 2.67 ERA in 2024.
After starting 23 games over his first two seasons, he transitioned into a swingman/long reliever role. His versatility could make him an attractive option for teams like the New York Yankees or Baltimore Orioles, who are dealing with starting pitching injuries. Despite a crowded bullpen, Thompson failed to stand out during spring training, which affected his chances of contributing to the Cubs in 2025.
Since he is out of minor league options, he is likely to join a new team in 2025. With third baseman Matt Shaw heading to Tokyo and not yet on the 40-man roster, Thompson’s release seems to be the move to clear space for Shaw. The roster deadline is March 17, so Thompson has a few more days with the Cubs. If released, the team that picks him up will aim to tap into the potential he showed during his first two MLB seasons.
