Cubs Rumored To Be Shopping Keegan Thompson, Rays Linked By Previous Interest

MLBTR adds fuel to this speculation by indicating the Cubs are actively pursuing a deal to clear a spot on the 40 man roster before they officially announce Bellinger...

Cubs working on potential trade?

Keegan Thompson is mentioned as one of the players the Cubs could be moving to open a 40 man spot rather than releasing a player for nothing to open the spot for Bellinger

Thompson makes a lot of sense as someone to remove from the 40-man. The Cubs need a spot, and Thompson has yet to really settle in as a consistent MLB-definite player at the age of 29. He's had some bursts of interesting data, but it's never consistent. The Cubs, as well, have a host of young arm options such as Palencia and Little who may be left on the outside looking in to the start the season (and would, IMO be ahead of Thompson for looks), as well as Brown and Horton who could realistically jump him come June or July. There are even intriguing arms like Ethan Roberts who are coming back from TJS who could present as an interesting mid-season arm if he can find his form. 

Overall, the Cubs have a lot of options and Thompson is one of many. It's not hard to him as potentially superfluous. 

How about bundling a package to aquire a Paredes? 

Is Paredes what we hope Morel grows up to be?

Or is he a useless 4 WAR  player?

I don't put any stock into HotstoveCubbies, but yeah Sahadev confirmed its likely to be a pitcher getting the bump and Thompson makes the most sense.

The Rays mention is interesting and I'd forgotten about.  That came out from a Rays blogger during the Glasnow discussions, and was specific enough it perked my ears up.  The Rays are obviously a very transaction-oriented organization, so they seem likely to play ball and marry up to convert someone like Thompson into equivalent value off of the 40 man.  

I'm not trying to be snarky here, but why would the Rays be interested in a trade if Thompson is going to be moved off the 40 man and have to go through waivers? They can wait. 

4 minutes ago, CubinNY said:

I'm not trying to be snarky here, but why would the Rays be interested in a trade if Thompson is going to be moved off the 40 man and have to go through waivers? They can wait. 

The Rays are not at the top of the waiver list and all it takes is one team willing to pay a small trade cost(or even just cash) for him not to make it to waivers it all.

Cubs just traded Bailey Horn to open up a 40 man spot...

Cubs have traded LHP Bailey Horn to the White Sox for RHP Matt Thompson

3 minutes ago, Cubs Whispers said:

Cubs just traded Bailey Horn to open up a 40 man spot...

Cubs have traded LHP Bailey Horn to the White Sox for RHP Matt Thompson

Also makes sense. Bailey Horn was similar to Thompson in that he was an option in a sea of many options.

Thompson looks like a curveball goof who was at AA last year at age 22.  Give him a little time in a better org's pitching dev and give him the velo boost that comes with shifting to the pen and maybe he's a fun reliever.

Bailey a little bad news/good news for you. Bad news, all your dreams of pitching at Wrigley for a contending Cubs team are dead and we're sending you to probably the second most depression organization in baseball. Good news is that you are now a major league closer. 

9 minutes ago, Cubs Whispers said:

Cubs just traded Bailey Horn to open up a 40 man spot...

Cubs have traded LHP Bailey Horn to the White Sox for RHP Matt Thompson

Interesting return for Horn too. Thompson struggles with walks but he has intriguing stuff. 

Personally would have dumped Killian if they wanted to clear a pitcher. But won't lose any sleep over this. 

Cubs must think Thompson's walk rate last year was a blip. I wonder how his stuff measures. 

You can never have too many “Thompsons” in your organization.

44 minutes ago, We Got The Whole 9 said:

Cubs must think Thompson's walk rate last year was a blip. I wonder how his stuff measures. 

I read he sits 93-95 and has hit 97 on his fastball and his curve and slider are solid pitches 

1 hour ago, Bertz said:

Thompson looks like a curveball goof who was at AA last year at age 22.  Give him a little time in a better org's pitching dev and give him the velo boost that comes with shifting to the pen and maybe he's a fun reliever.

It took me longer than it should to realize you were talking about Matt and not Keegan.

I really want Keegan to make the team but it's unlikely and he honestly feels like a Rays type pitcher. I can see them still swinging another trade or two like the Horn deal.

3 hours ago, PackLandVA said:

You can never have too many “Thompsons” in your organization.

https://youtu.be/TvzVTRK1nOY?si=jajHRqCKgL-cBY9f

5 hours ago, PackLandVA said:

You can never have too many “Thompsons” in your organization.