The Cubs have not lost a series since their two-game set in Japan against the Dodgers. The offense looks great with Kyle Tucker leading the way, while the starting pitching has stepped up following a slow start. However, the bullpen has certainly been shaky and there’s justifiable concern that a lack of sustainability will once again hinder the team’s success in 2025.
Yet, the reinforcements at Triple-A are at the very least giving fans some hope that if desperately needed they can come up and help alleviate the bullpen struggles. That includes beloved Cubs pitcher Keegan Thompson, who has been dominating Triple-A with Iowa to begin this minor league season.
Thompson, 30, was retained in the offseason after he was tendered a contract in November. The right-handed pitcher was eventually designated for assignment in March, but remained with the organization after he cleared waivers.
Now, through three appearances with the Iowa Cubs, Thompson is once again knocking at the door of the majors thanks to his impressive performance on the mound.
Another #Cubs minor league bullpen note: Keegan Thompson threw 2 perfect innings with 5 Ks tonight at Toledo. Cubs will probably need him back in the bigs at some point.
— Mike McGraw (@McGrawDHSports) April 9, 2025
Thompson has nearly been perfect in 3.2 shutout innings, striking out nine batters, while allowing only one hit and one walk in three games.
He’s not the only reliever that’s gotten off to a tremendous start, though, as Luke Little and Jack Neely have also combined for 6.2 shutout innings themselves.
Some early numbers from some @Cubs prospects and notable @IowaCubs players.
— Alex Cohen (@voiceofcohen2) April 10, 2025
Owen Caissie: .267/.367/.539, .906 OPS
Christian Franklin: .308/.455/.539, .993 OPS
Jonathon Long: .345/.387/.586, .973 OPS
Luke Little/Keegan Thompson/Jack Neely combined: 10.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 16 K, 3 BB
The main obstacle that stands between Thompson and a call-up to the Cubs is that he’s not currently on the 40-man roster. If the team does decide to bring him up to the big leagues again, then they’d either have to cut someone else loose to make room or place an injured player already on the 40-man on the 60-day injured list.
Meanwhile, Little and Neely are already on the 40-man roster, so on the outside looking in they hold the advantage of being called up over Thompson if the Cubs decide to bring in bullpen reinforcements.
As for current players on the injured list, Vidal Bruján has been cleared to begin his rehab assignment from an elbow injury. Justin Steele is getting an MRI after being placed on the 15-day injured list because of left elbow tendinitis. Relievers Ryan Brasier and Tyson Miller began the regular season on the 15-day IL and neither have a set timetable for their return.
Nate Pearson might be in danger of losing his spot in the bullpen. He’s made six appearances this year and has allowed at least one earned run in five of them. After a good showing with the Cubs last summer, Pearson has definitely regressed to his previous track record when he was struggling with the Blue Jays.
The Cubs are off on Thursday before they begin a six-game road trip on the West Coast. We’ll see if they make any roster moves prior to Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers.
(Previous Update)
Right-handed reliever Keegan Thompson was designated for assignment when the Cubs opened up their 2025 season in Japan and fans assumed the beloved pitcher was destined to land somewhere else. Thompson could have been traded, but he wasn’t and surprisingly none of the other 29 MLB teams placed a waiver claim to get him either.
According to the Cubs’ official transactions page Thompson cleared waivers and has been outrighted to the Iowa Cubs.
Looks like Keegan Thompson is sticking around in the Cubs organization after he was DFA'd. pic.twitter.com/NJwuWSfeBA
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 26, 2025
The Cubs brought back Thompson in the offseason, avoiding arbitration and agreeing to an $850k salary for the 2025 season. He had an up and down 2024 season with the Cubs, starting off with success in April, before and illness shut him down later in the year and then another injury surfaced that further set him back.
Still, Thompson was able to put together a strong year, posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 30.1 innings. He had a 28.3 K%, which set a new career-best for the now 30-year-old pitcher.
For his career, Thompson has worked as a starter and reliever, although the Cubs primarily have used him out of the bullpen. The righty made 23 starts between 2021-22. In 227.1 innings in the majors, Thompson has a 3.64 ERA.
As for now, Thompson will begin the 2025 season in the minor leagues at Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs. There is a chance that Thompson chooses to refuse the assignment and elect free agency instead. You can read more details here.
Maybe Keegan will be like Arieta and get good when he’s old?