First Cubs roster move of the offseason came and went without buzz

The Major League Baseball offseason is still waiting to kick off in earnest once the World Series is over, but some small moves take place before then as teams and players get an early start on the months ahead. There was some surprise on Friday that former Chicago Cubs' relief pitcher Nate Pearson inked a Major League deal with the Houston Astros, but there was another roster move that went by with Cubs fans barely noticing.

Last week, former Cubs' bullpen ace Keegan Thompson was among a handful of minor-league veterans to elect free agency.

Thompson was outrighted by the Cubs at the end of spring training, but stuck around with the organization once he was assigned to Triple-A Iowa. In 64 innings of work with the I-Cubs this season, Thompson posted a 4.50 ERA while striking out nearly 30% of the hitters he faced.

Cubs made a roster move last week — and almost no one noticed

Given the need that the Cubs had in the bullpen throughout the season, the fact that Thompson was never an option likely was a sign that his future was not going to be in Chicago. Bringing a final end to what was once a promising development for the team's pitching staff.

Thompson debuted with the Cubs in 2021, posting an ERA of 3.38 in a tick over 53 innings pitched. In 2022, the Cubs flirted with the idea of Thompson joining their starting rotation; however, he was far more effective as a high-leverage reliever, posting an ERA of 1.47 in 36.2 innings pitched out of the bullpen. As a starter, Thompson had an ERA of 4.83 in over 78 innings pitched.

Despite entering 2023 with the idea that he could be a staple at the backend of the bullpen for the Cubs, command issues quickly led to his demotion to the minors. Thompson walked 15.2% of the hitters he faced in 2023, and he hasn't been able to overcome that struggle since. Thompson did have an ERA of 2.67 in 24 appearances with the Cubs in 2024, but his walk rate was still too high at 14.2%.

If a team can solve his command issues, Thompson could find his way back in the majors, but after being passed over in 2025, that opportunity won't be with the Cubs.