Reds scoop up ex-Cubs pitcher fans once pinned bullpen hopes on

Keegan Thompson was once believed to be a fixture in the Chicago Cubs' bullpen, finishing the 2022 season as a high-leverage relief pitcher who could pitch multiple innings. Command issues have plagued Thompson since then, who spent most of his time with the Iowa Cubs over the last three seasons. Thompson didn't make an appearance at the Major League level with the Cubs last season and elected free agency shortly after the season ended.

Given his status as a minor-league free agent, Thompson was eligible to sign with a new team as soon as he saw fit. Thompson found his new home on Tuesday, signing a one-year Major League deal with the Cincinnati Reds.

Keegan Thompson was once hidden gem for the Cubs, but was in need of a change of scenery.

Considering Thompson only had 43 appearances at the Major League level since the start of the 2023 season, there is some surprise that he found a Major League deal this early in the offseason. While he has had success at the Major Level in the past, his command issues have limited how he can be used when pitching out of a bullpen.

Once a starting pitcher, perhaps, the Reds plan on stretching him out with the idea that he could join the team's rotation. In other words, like Nate Pearson signing with the Houston Astros, perhaps the Reds identified a plan for Thompson that they want to implement right away.

The last time Cubs fans saw Thompson at the Major League level was in 2024. Used mostly as an up-and-down arm that season, Thompson did post an ERA of 2.67 in 24 appearances. The issue is that his underlying metrics--4.45 xERA and 14.2% walk rate--suggest there was some luck involved in his success.

With the Iowa Cubs this season, Thompson had a 4.50 ERA in 64 innings pitched. He was missing bats, striking out over 29% of the hitters he faced, and there was some improvement in his command with a walk rate of 8.9%. If the Reds can fix his command issues, it's possible he becomes the next bullpen arm who got away from the Cubs.