Keegan Thompson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Chicago Cubs have designated right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for top prospect Matt Shaw, who got the starting nod at the hot corner during their regular season opener. If the 30-year-old is not claimed on waivers, he will open the season at the Triple-A level. Last summer, Thompson logged 30 1/3 innings in the major leagues and posted a 2.67 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He tallied 36 strikeouts but held a high 14.2 percent walk rate. During the 2023 campaign, Thompson posted a high 4.71 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP across 28 2/3 innings of work. Through 74 1/3 career innings at Triple-A, the former third-round selection has held a 4.48 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. Thompson could return to the majors later in the season if the Cubs need additional depth in their bullpen.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Keegan Thompson will not be among the 31 players included in the team's travel roster for the Tokyo Series coming up in Japan. The righty had allowed three earned runs in only four-and-two-thirds innings pitched so far this spring, with all three runs coming via solo home runs. Unfortunately for Thompson, this likely means the Cubs will DFA the former third-round draft pick before Opening Day. Whether he's with the Cubs or another team in 2025, he pitched fairly well between the minors and majors last season, recording a 2.67 ERA, 1.22 ERA, and a 10.68 K/9 over 30 1/3 innings pitched with the Cubs. His problem over the years has been command, with a 14.2 percent walk rate resulting in a 14.2 percent K-BB%, which would look very good if he could get closer to the 8.2 percent league average walk rate. Regardless, until we see him in the majors again and pitching meaningful innings, the 29-year-old will be off the fantasy radar.

According to Maddie Lee of the Sun Times, right-hander Keegan Thompson and the Chicago Cubs have agreed on a contract to avoid salary arbitration. Thompson battled injuries in 2024 but flashed solid potential when he was on the major-league mound. Across 30 1/3 innings on the Northside, the right-hander posted a strong 2.67 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP with two saves. Thompson generated an excellent 28.3% strikeout rate but struggled with control as he held a rough 14.2% walk rate. With Triple-A Iowa, Thompson posted a 2.96 ERA and a 0.91 ERA in 27 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should monitor Thompson's development during spring training, as he could eventually become a candidate to operate as a high-leverage option given the upside he has flashed at times.