The Reds announced that right-hander Keegan Thompson has been designated for assignment. The move creates a 40-man roster spot for outfielder JJ Bleday, whose signing is now official.
Thompson just signed a split contract with the Reds in early November, but since he is out of minor league options, Cincinnati has to first expose the righty to the waiver wire before he can be removed from the 40-man and sent to Triple-A. Because Thompson has been outrighted off a 40-man roster in the past, he can opt for free agency if he clears waivers and the Reds outright him now, though Thompson would have to walk away from the money owed to him for the 2026 season. The split contract will pay Thompson $1.3MM for his time spent on Cincinnati’s big league roster.
As he enters his age-31 season, Thompson is looking to return to the majors for the first time since the 2024 campaign. His 3.64 ERA over 227 1/3 MLB innings is quite respectable, and working exclusively in a relief capacity with the Cubs in 2024 boosted Thompson’s strikeout rate to a personal best of 28.3%. These numbers and Thompson’s ability to cover multiple innings seemingly made him a pretty interesting bullpen weapon for the Cubs, yet the team may have been disenchanted by Thompson’s lack of control. The righty’s walk rate ballooned to 14.7% over 59 big league innings during the 2023-24 seasons.
Chicago designated Thompson for assignment last March and subsequently outrighted him off the 40-man, resulting in Thompson spending his 2025 season entirely with Triple-A Iowa. Thompson had a 4.50 ERA over 64 innings in Iowa, but also a 29.5% strikeout rate and an 8.9% walk rate that failed to capture the Cubs’ attention for another look in the Show.
Teams in need of bullpen help could potentially claim Thompson off waivers, though a claiming team would also be absorbing the split contract’s potential $1.3MM price tag. It might not be a huge price to pay if a rival club sees a benefit in Thompson’s ability to chew up bullpen innings, or if its coaching staff views Thompson’s control as a correctable issue. In lieu of a claim, Thompson might pass on another trip to the open market and opt to remain in Cincinnati’s organization, as he likely anticipated a potential DFA at some point during the winter.
He’s great on SNL. Same guy, right?
Thompson’s a pretty decent pitcher. Kind of an odd decision to DFA him.
Signed him for $1.3 ish so he likely to accept the outright to keep the $$, serve as depth
Ah. Yes, correct. If he isn’t claimed.
Wonder if the Cubs will take him back.
NO! Enough is enough!!
Marginal type who is out of options, very good chance he winds up outrighted.
What are you waiting for Perry?
MARLINS could get a “bargain relief help” here, now that Ronny Henriquez is out for the season