Chicago Cubs purge fan favorite pitcher from roster hours before opening day

The Chicago Cubs had a few tough decisions to make for their roster ahead of Tuesday’s opening day matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs are set to play two regular season games on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome before traveling back to the United States to finish spring training.
With the regular season starting 10 days before the rest of the MLB, the Cubs and Dodgers had to trim down their rosters before their game on Tuesday.
The Chicago Cubs made a few roster moves
Per Taylor McGregor of MLB Network, the Cubs added Matt Shaw to the 40-man roster. That move wasn’t a surprise, as the rookie third baseman is expected to be a starter in 2025. Shaw’s addition meant the Cubs needed to make a roster cut.
Right-handed pitcher and fan favorite Keegan Thompson has been designated for assignment.
“Cubs announce their 26-man roster for Opening Day in Japan,” McGregor posted on X. “Moves: -Matt Shaw has been selected to the 40-man roster. -RHP Keegan Thompson has been designated for assignment. -Javier Assad (left oblique strain) placed on the 15-day injured list. -Daniel Palencia optioned to Triple-A Iowa.”
#Cubs announce their 26-man roster for Opening Day in Japan.
Moves:
-Matt Shaw has been selected to the 40-man roster.
-RHP Keegan Thompson has been designated for assignment.
-Javier Assad (left oblique strain) placed on the 15-day injured list.
-Daniel Palencia optioned to… pic.twitter.com/DmwKblACdJ— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) March 18, 2025
Cubs losing fan favorite Keegan Thompson
Thompson is out of minor league options, so the Cubs had no other choice but to designate him for assignment. Chicago has seven days to decide to trade, waive, or release the 30-year-old pitcher.
Thompson went 17-11 during his four seasons with the Cubs. He recorded 225 strikeouts and had an ERA of 3.64.
Cubs fans reacted to the cut on social media.
“This hurts. His 2021 and 2022 seasons were awesome to watch! But it does make sense that he’s the one who gets cut,” wrote a fan.
I liked him.
— Robert Davie (@FugitiveMind82) March 18, 2025
“There it is. When Keegan’s Velo dropped, he lost it. Poor dude,” wrote another.

For More Chicago Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks.
Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/keegan-thompson-assignment-chicago-cubs-news?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=keegan-thompson-assignment-chicago-cubs-news
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
