The move corresponds with the signing of JJ Bleday.
The Keegan Thompson era of Cincinnati Reds history lasted nearly two months and featured exactly zero innings of actual professional baseball. That is, of course, if it actually ends today – and it sure looks like it has.
The Reds designated the right-hander for assignment on Saturday as they were in need of a 40-man roster spot for the recently signed JJ Bleday. MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon confirmed the news.
Thompson, 30, is a former 3rd round pick by the Chicago Cubs out of Auburn University who’d pitched to some pretty solid results across 227.1 IP in his big league career – a 3.64 ERA and career-best 10.7 K/9 in his 30.1 big league innings back in 2024. That said, his peripherals always drew his actual results into question, as he walked a lot of batters (4.4 per 9 IP) and owned just a career 4.51 FIP and 1.32 WHIP.
The Cubs designated him for assignment previously and he spent all of the 2025 season with AAA Iowa, and the deal he signed with the Reds in November was a split-contract that all but assumed he’d spend at least some time at the AAA level if he stuck around. It remains to be seen if that’ll be the case – he’ll hit waivers and have a chance to be claimed by another club – but I’d wager the Reds are hoping that he clears waivers and returns to the club in a non-roster spot as depth for the bullpen.
The move corresponded with the Reds making the Bleday signing official.
Category: General Sports
