# Keegan Thompson

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**Keegan Cole Thompson** (born March 13, 1995) is an American professional [baseball](/source/Baseball) [pitcher](/source/Pitcher) for the [Colorado Rockies](/source/Colorado_Rockies) of [Major League Baseball](/source/Major_League_Baseball) (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the [Chicago Cubs](/source/Chicago_Cubs).

## Amateur career

Thompson attended [Cullman High School](/source/Cullman_High_School) in [Cullman](/source/Cullman,_Alabama), [Alabama](/source/Alabama).[1] As a sophomore in 2011, he was named Alabama's [Gatorade Player of the Year](/source/Gatorade_Player_of_the_Year_awards) after finishing the season with a 9–2 record and a 1.70 ERA along with batting .433 with 17 home runs and 66 RBI.[2] He won the award once again as a senior in 2013 after going 9–2 with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 124 batters in 72 2⁄3 innings pitched, along with hitting .420 with nine home runs and 43 RBI.[3] Undrafted out of high school, he enrolled at [Auburn University](/source/Auburn_University) where he played [college baseball](/source/College_baseball) for the [Auburn Tigers](/source/Auburn_Tigers).[4]

In 2014, as a freshman for the Tigers, Thompson appeared in 14 games (with 12 being starts) in which he compiled a 5–3 record with a 2.01 ERA, earning him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.[5] As a sophomore in 2015, he pitched to a 7–3 record with a 3.10 ERA in 12 games (11 starts) in a season that was shortened due to elbow issues.[6]

Thompson underwent [Tommy John surgery](/source/Ulnar_collateral_ligament_reconstruction) in June 2015, and was forced to miss the whole 2016 season.[7] Despite not pitching in 2016, he was still drafted by the [Detroit Tigers](/source/Detroit_Tigers) in the 33rd round of the [2016 MLB draft](/source/2016_Major_League_Baseball_draft), but did not sign.[8] He returned to Auburn in 2017 as a redshirt junior, compiling a 7–4 record and a 2.41 ERA in 15 starts.[9]

## Professional career

### Chicago Cubs

Thompson was selected by the [Chicago Cubs](/source/Chicago_Cubs) in the third round of the [2017 Major League Baseball draft](/source/2017_Major_League_Baseball_draft).[10] He signed with the Cubs for $511,900.[11] After signing, Thompson made his professional debut with the [Eugene Emeralds](/source/Eugene_Emeralds) where he was 1–2 with a 2.37 ERA in 19 innings pitched. He began 2018 with the [Myrtle Beach Pelicans](/source/Myrtle_Beach_Pelicans), with whom he was named the [Carolina League](/source/Carolina_League) Pitcher of the Week twice.[12][13] After compiling a 3–3 record with a 3.19 ERA in 12 starts, he was promoted to the [Tennessee Smokies](/source/Tennessee_Smokies) in June.[14] He spent the remainder of the season with the Smokies, going 6–3 with a 4.06 ERA in 13 starts.[15]

Thompson returned to Tennessee to begin the 2019 season.[16] He experienced elbow soreness.[17] He was placed on the [injured list](/source/Injured_list) in April with an elbow injury,[18][19] and only made two rehab appearances during the remaining months of the season. He was selected to play in the [Arizona Fall League](/source/Arizona_Fall_League) for the [Mesa Solar Sox](/source/Mesa_Solar_Sox) following the season.[20] There, he was 1-1 with a 4.62 ERA in seven starts.[21]

Thompson did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic).[22] On November 20, 2020, the Cubs added him to their [40-man roster](/source/40-man_roster) to protect him from the [Rule 5 draft](/source/Rule_5_draft).[23]

On May 1, 2021, Thompson was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[24] He made his MLB debut the next day, pitching a shutout inning of relief against the [Cincinnati Reds](/source/Cincinnati_Reds). On May 8, he recorded his first win after pitching three innings of relief against the [Pittsburgh Pirates](/source/Pittsburgh_Pirates).[25] He was put on the 10-day injured list at the end of the season with right shoulder inflammation and soreness.[26] For his 2021 rookie year with the Cubs, he went 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA, 55 strikeouts, and 31 walks over 53 1⁄3 innings.[27]

On April 9, 2022, Thompson was ejected for throwing at [Andrew McCutchen](/source/Andrew_McCutchen) of the [Milwaukee Brewers](/source/Milwaukee_Brewers). Thompson was also fined and suspended for three games.[28] On September 29, Thompson earned his second career [save](/source/Save_(baseball)) after tossing three scoreless innings of relief against the [Philadelphia Phillies](/source/Philadelphia_Phillies).[29] In 29 games (17 starts), he posted a 10–5 record and 3.76 ERA with 108 strikeouts across 115 innings pitched.[30]

In 2023, Thompson made 19 appearances out of the [bullpen](/source/Bullpen) for Chicago, recording a 4.71 ERA with 26 strikeouts across 28 2⁄3 innings of work.[31] He was optioned to the Triple–A [Iowa Cubs](/source/Iowa_Cubs) to begin the 2024 season.[32] In 24 appearances for Chicago, Thompson compiled a 2-1 record and 2.67 ERA with 36 strikeouts and 2 saves across 30 1⁄3 innings pitched.

Thompson was [designated for assignment](/source/Designated_for_assignment) by the Cubs on March 17, 2025.[33] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Iowa on March 25.[34] Thompson made 33 appearances (five starts) for Iowa, compiling a 6-2 record and 4.50 ERA with 83 strikeouts over 64 innings of work. He elected free agency on October 14.[35]

### Colorado Rockies

On November 4, 2025, Thompson signed a one-year, major league contract with the [Cincinnati Reds](/source/Cincinnati_Reds).[36] He was designated for assignment following the signing of [JJ Bleday](/source/JJ_Bleday) on December 27.[37] On January 7, 2026, Thompson was claimed off waivers by the [Colorado Rockies](/source/Colorado_Rockies).[38] On March 25, Thompson was designated for assignment by Colorado after failing to make the team's Opening Day roster.[39] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A [Albuquerque Isotopes](/source/Albuquerque_Isotopes) the same day.[40] Thompson made 11 appearances (five starts) for Albuquerque, tallying a 1-3 record and 3.34 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 32 1⁄3 innings pitched. On May 20, the Rockies selected Thompson's contract, adding him to their active roster.[41]

## References

1. ["Former Bearcat Thompson shines on mound in Birmingham"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190207124743/http://cullmansense.com/articles/2018/07/24/former-bearcat-thompson-shines-mound-birmingham). *The Cullman Tribune*. July 24, 2018. Archived from [the original](http://cullmansense.com/articles/2018/07/24/former-bearcat-thompson-shines-mound-birmingham) on February 7, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. Times, Stan VeitchThe Cullman (June 2011). ["PREP BASEBALL: Cullman High sophomore wins Gatorade Alabama Player of Year"](https://www.cullmantimes.com/sports/local_sports/prep-baseball-cullman-high-sophomore-wins-gatorade-alabama-player-of/article_4d13305b-ce0b-5e98-bd2d-b30d6d3bc3c3.html). *The Cullman Times*. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Alabama Baseball POY: Keegan Thompson"](https://usatodayhss.com/2013/alabama-baseball-poy-keegan-thompson). *usatodayhss.com*. May 28, 2013. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Keegan Thompson, Auburn Tigers, Starting Pitcher"](https://247sports.com/Player/Keegan-Thompson-38842/). *247Sports*. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Keegan Thompson named to SEC All-Freshman Team"](http://auburntigers.com/news/2014/5/27/Keegan_Thompson_named_to_SEC_All_Freshman_Team.aspx?path=baseball). *Auburn University Athletics*. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. Vitale, Josh (February 24, 2017). ["Keegan Thompson pitches gem as Auburn shuts out Holy Cross"](https://www.oanow.com/sports/college/auburn/baseball/keegan-thompson-pitches-gem-as-auburn-shuts-out-holy-cross/article_8211eea4-fadc-11e6-a7e9-230123992456.html). *OANow.com*. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Auburn's Keegan Thompson returns from Tommy John surgery to make opening day start"](http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/02/auburns_keegan_thompson_return.html). *AL.com*. February 16, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Four Tigers selected in MLB Draft Saturday"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214609/https://auburntigers.com/news/2016/6/11/Four_Tigers_selected_in_MLB_Draft_Saturday.aspx). *Auburn University Athletics*. Archived from [the original](http://auburntigers.com/news/2016/6/11/Four_Tigers_selected_in_MLB_Draft_Saturday.aspx) on October 12, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["A look at where Auburn players stack up in MLB Draft"](https://247sports.com/college/auburn/article/a-look-at-where-auburn-players-stack-up-in-mlb-draft-53056608/). *AuburnUndercover*. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Chicago Cubs draft Auburn's Keegan Thompson in 3rd round"](http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/06/chicago_cubs_draft_auburns_kee.html). *AL.com*. June 13, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Former Auburn ace Keegan Thompson signs with Chicago Cubs"](http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/06/former_auburn_ace_keegan_thomp.html). *AL.com*. June 22, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Thompson named Carolina League Pitcher of the Week"](https://www.milb.com/myrtle-beach/news/thompson-named-carolina-league-pitcher-of-the-week/c-278823838). *MiLB.com*. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. Timmers, Josh (June 22, 2018). ["Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 21"](https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2018/6/22/17491632/chicago-cubs-minor-league-jen-ho-tseng-michael-rucker-trey-martin-jared-hughes). *Bleed Cubbie Blue*. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Chicago Cubs: Former Auburn pitcher Keegan Thompson is throwing strikes for Smokies"](https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/local/2018/08/20/chicago-cubs-auburn-pitcher-keegan-thompson-tennesee-smokies-prospect/858251002/). *Knoxville News Sentinel*. Retrieved December 14, 2018.

1. ["Keegan Thompson Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball"](http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=657041#/career/R/hitting/2018/ALL). MiLB.com. Retrieved October 12, 2018.

1. ["2019 Chicago Cubs Affiliate Preview: Tennessee Smokies' Starting Pitchers Look to Impress"](https://www.cubsinsider.com/2019/04/02/2019-chicago-cubs-affiliate-preview-tennessee-smokies-starting-pitchers-look-to-impress/). April 2, 2019.

1. Times, Robert Martinez | Special to The (November 6, 2019). ["BASEBALL: Thompson's journey to MLB takes former Bearcat through Arizona Fall League"](https://www.cullmantimes.com/sports/baseball-thompson-s-journey-to-mlb-takes-former-bearcat-through-arizona-fall-league/article_9f5492a6-0019-11ea-912c-0b62eb19969b.html). *The Cullman Times*

1. ["Cubs call up 2017 3rd-round draft pick Keegan Thompson"](https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/cubs-call-keegan-thompson-2017-3rd-round-draft-pick). *RSN*

1. Inabinett, Mark (2019-05-29). ["Where are Auburn's pro baseball players?"](https://www.al.com/sports/2019/05/where-are-auburns-pro-baseball-players.html). *AL.com*. Retrieved 2025-02-10.

1. Norris, Josh (August 28, 2019). ["2019 Arizona Fall League Rosters Announced"](https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2019-arizona-fall-league-rosters-announced/). *www.baseballamerica.com*

1. ["Keegan Thompson College, Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History"](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=thomps000kee). *Baseball-Reference.com*

1. Adler, David (June 30, 2020). ["2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled"](https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-minor-league-baseball-season-canceled). *MLB.com*. Retrieved September 11, 2021.

1. Gonzales, Mark (November 20, 2020). ["Chicago Cubs add 3 to their 40-man roster, leaving 3 spots open for free-agent signings or trade acquisitions"](https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cubs/ct-chicago-cubs-cory-abbott-roster-moves-20201120-pqi6iipbxzadfdkjbqoeuvaopa-story.html). *chicagotribune.com*. Retrieved September 11, 2021.

1. ["Major League Baseball Transactions"](http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/). *Major League Baseball*

1. ["Pirates 2, Cubs 3 (Final Score) on MLB Gameday"](https://www.mlb.com/gameday/pirates-vs-cubs/2021/05/08/634212/final). *MLB.com*

1. ["Next steps for Keegan Thompson after being placed on the injured list"](https://www.marqueesportsnetwork.com/next-steps-for-keegan-thompson-after-being-placed-on-the-injured-list/). *Marquee Sports Network - Television Home of the Chicago Cubs*. September 29, 2021.

1. ["Cubs' Keegan Thompson: Gets competition for No. 5 spot"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-keegan-thompson-gets-competition-for-no-5-spot/). *CBSSports.com*. 2022-03-17. Retrieved 2025-02-10.

1. Crouse, Jake (April 12, 2022). ["Thompson suspended 3 games for hitting Cutch"](https://www.mlb.com/news/keegan-thompson-suspension). *MLB.com*. Retrieved April 23, 2022.

1. ["Cubs' Keegan Thompson: Earns first 2022 save"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-keegan-thompson-earns-first-2022-save/amp/). *CBSSports.com*. 2022-09-29. Retrieved 2025-02-10.

1. Altman, Evan (2024-02-27). ["Cubs Reportedly Working to Trade Pitcher to Clear 40-Man Space, Keegan Thompson May Be Involved -"](https://www.cubsinsider.com/2024/02/27/cubs-reportedly-working-to-trade-pitcher-to-clear-40-man-space-keegan-thompson-may-be-involved/). *Cubs Insider*. Retrieved 2025-02-10.

1. ["Keegan Thompson - Stats - Pitching"](https://www.fangraphs.com/players/keegan-thompson/19795/stats?position=P). *fangraphs.com*. Retrieved March 18, 2024.

1. Altman, Evan (2024-03-18). ["Cubs Option Thompson, Mervis to AAA as Spring Roster Trimmed to 42 -"](https://www.cubsinsider.com/2024/03/18/cubs-option-thompson-mervis-to-aaa-as-spring-roster-trimmed-to-42/). *Cubs Insider*. Retrieved 2025-02-10.

1. ["Cubs Promote Matt Shaw"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/cubs-promote-matt-shaw.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved March 19, 2025.

1. Franco, Anthony (March 27, 2025). ["Cubs Outright Keegan Thompson"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/cubs-outright-keegan-thompson.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved 2025-11-23.

1. McDonald, Darragh (October 15, 2025). ["Nine Players Elect Free Agency"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/10/nine-players-elect-free-agency-2.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved 2025-11-23.

1. Polishuk, Mark (November 4, 2025). ["Reds Sign Keegan Thompson"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/reds-sign-keegan-thompson.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved 2025-11-14.

1. ["Reds Designate Keegan Thompson For Assignment"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/12/reds-designate-keegan-thompson-for-assignment.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved December 27, 2025.

1. ["Rockies Claim Keegan Thompson"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/01/rockies-claim-keegan-thompson.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved January 7, 2026.

1. ["Rockies Designate Keegan Thompson For Assignment"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/rockies-designate-keegan-thompson-for-assignment.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved March 25, 2026.

1. ["Rockies Outright Keegan Thompson"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/rockies-designate-keegan-thompson-for-assignment.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved March 25, 2026.

1. ["Rockies Designate Blaine Crim For Assignment"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/05/rockies-designate-blaine-crim-for-assignment.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved May 20, 2026.

## External links

- [Auburn Tigers bio](https://auburntigers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214701/https://auburntigers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41) October 12, 2018 at the Wayback Machine

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Keegan Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keegan_Thompson) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keegan_Thompson?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.