3 relievers the Chicago Cubs should consider calling up for the bullpen

#2: Keegan Thompson

For a more traditional relief option, the Cubs could turn back to Keegan Thompson in hopes that the magic has returned. Back in 2022, Thompson appeared to be a savior for the team at the back end with a pristine 1.47 ERA in 36 1/3 innings in the bullpen. 2023, however, was a bit of a nightmare season for the righty after he struggled to a 4.71 ERA and endured a brutal 8.10 ERA at Triple-A after being demoted in May.

Thompson did fine in Spring Training (6 2/3 innings, 4.05 ERA, 4 strikeouts) but still didn't show enough to earn a spot over the younger, higher-ceiling guys. Frankly speaking, he wasn't expected to make the cut, especially with a rash of prospects with live arms like Little, Brown, and Daniel Palencia knocking at the door ahead of him. If he was going to return, it would have to come on the back of a severe need or him forcing the issue in the minors.

Instead, we're somewhere in between. Another steady reliever is needed to right the ship for Craig Counsell, and Thompson has looked like he has the potential to be that guy through three Triple-A appearances. On Tuesday, he pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in Iowa, marking consecutive scoreless outings for him with 3 2/3 innings, one hit, and five strikeouts. However, those appearances came after a rough first inning of work in which he coughed up three runs with two hits, two walks, and a home run.

Given Cuas's extreme struggles in particular, however, Thompson still seems like a solid move to provide momentary relief for a bullpen that desperately needs it. He's on the 40-man too, which makes the decision all the easier for a call-up.