The Chicago Cubs have made a move that could shake up their bullpen! Right-handed pitcher Trent Thornton has signed a minor league deal with the team, and he's ready to prove his worth.
Thornton, a seasoned veteran with seven big league seasons under his belt, is aiming to make a comeback after a challenging year. He suffered a torn Achilles, which ended his 2025 season prematurely. But here's where it gets controversial... despite the injury, Thornton is determined to show that he's still got what it takes.
His trainers at Tread Athletics announced the deal on Instagram, and the news has baseball fans buzzing. MLBTR has confirmed that it's a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, giving Thornton a chance to impress and earn a spot on the roster.
Thornton's journey has been an interesting one. He started as a starter with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019, logging an impressive 154 1/3 innings as a rookie. However, a struggle in 2020 led to a move to the bullpen, and it was a decision that changed his career.
After a couple of years in Toronto's bullpen, Thornton found his groove with the Seattle Mariners. He posted a solid 2.08 ERA in 26 innings during the 2023 season and followed it up with a strong 2024 campaign, tossing 72 1/3 innings with a 3.61 ERA. His success with the Mariners was built on a powerful 95.5 mph heater and a dominant mid-80s slider, which he relied on heavily.
And this is the part most people miss... Thornton's ground-ball rate, while lower than average, still managed to keep opponents guessing. He struck out 22.5% of batters faced and walked only 6.6%, a testament to his control and ability to get outs.
Now, Thornton is looking to follow in the footsteps of Brad Keller, who turned a non-roster deal into a relief job and a lucrative free-agent contract. The Cubs' bullpen is already crowded with new signings and re-signings, but Thornton is determined to compete for that final spot.
With a strong showing in spring training or early in the Triple-A season, Thornton could be the first name called up in case of an injury. It's a tough road ahead, but Thornton's determination and past success give him a fighting chance.
What do you think? Will Trent Thornton make a successful comeback with the Cubs? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this intriguing baseball story.
