Cubs just avoided revenge tour from former bullpen ace ousted by Rockies

There aren't many must-win series in June, but given how the Chicago Cubs' season has unfolded, that is exactly what needs to happen against the Colorado Rockies. Lost in that reality was the potential for a former bullpen ace to exact revenge against the Cubs.

Keegan Thompson had found his way to Colorado this season. Thompson was once viewed as the ace of the Cub' bullpen, posting an ERA of 1.47 when used as a reliever during the 2022 season. Unfortunately, the success was short-lived.

Thompson posted a 4.71 ERA in 19 appearances during the 2023 season, and the regression was largely tied to an uptick in command issues. Thompson walked over 15% of the hitters he faced during that season, and quickly fell out of favor with Craig Counsell. He posted a 2.67 ERA with the Cubs in 2024, striking out over 28% of the hitter he faced, but he was still walking over 14%. His underlying metrics also spoke to the idea that his ERA wasn't telling the full story.

2025 was Thompson's final season in the Cubs' organization, spending the entire season in the minors. The veteran righty initially landed with the Cincinnati Reds at the start of the offseason, but was eventually claimed off waivers by the Rockies.

Opening the season with the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate, Thompson showed improved command while posting a 3.34 ERA. It earned him a return to the majors in recent weeks with Colorado, but there wasn't much success to follow. The 31-year-old is carrying an ERA of 8.25 on the season in 12 innings pitched. Thompson's velocity has dipped under 93 MPH, but if there's a silver lining, he only walked 2 of the 57 batters he faced.

No Cubs' revenge for Keegan Thompson, but a reunion?

Nonetheless, Thompson won't have his revenge tour against the Cubs, considering he was just designated for assignment.

Thompson may not get his revenge against the Cubs, but could his next stop be a return to Chicago? The Cubs have taken out fliers on Aaron Bummer and Liam Hendriks in recent weeks, so it's an easy leap to make that they may have some interest in reuniting with Thompson. Given the state of their pitching staff, the Cubs can't be too selective in their search for pitching depth.

No, Thompson wouldn't be much of a defined answer for what has plagued the Cubs this season, but he would be depth if nothing else.

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