Keegan Thompson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Keegan Thompson (ribs) logged an 'up-down' bullpen session on Saturday, July 20 in Arizona. Thompson was placed on the injured list with a rib fracture on June 28. This is a great sign for the 29-year-old as he has already begun his throwing program. Prior to the injury, the former third-round pick posted a 3.50 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and a 10:26 BB:K ratio across 18 innings. While he still remains without a timetable, it seems plausible that he could return to the big leagues sometime in August. Thompson will likely be used in a bulk relief role and could earn high-leverage opportunities down the stretch as he has shown high-upside strikeout potential.