In a move that’s raising eyebrows across the baseball world, the Colorado Rockies have swooped in to claim right-hander Keegan Thompson off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. But here’s where it gets controversial: just weeks after signing him to a $1.3MM deal, the Reds designated Thompson for assignment, leaving him in roster limbo for nearly two weeks—a tactic that’s becoming increasingly common in baseball. So, what’s the real story behind this transaction? And why did the Rockies decide to disrupt the Reds’ carefully laid plan?
Let’s break it down. Keegan Thompson, a 31-year-old pitcher with just over three years of big league service time, was signed by the Reds in November as part of a split contract. This type of deal is designed to give teams flexibility, allowing them to potentially retain a player without committing a full roster spot—if they clear waivers. The Reds likely hoped Thompson would slip through waivers and accept a Triple-A assignment, saving them roster space while keeping him in the organization. But the Rockies had other plans.
Colorado, desperate for pitching help after posting a dismal 5.99 collective ERA in 2025, saw an opportunity. With two roster spots open and a glaring need for arms, claiming Thompson was a no-brainer. Pitching at Coors Field is notoriously challenging, and the Rockies are betting Thompson can provide some much-needed stability. But this move isn’t without its risks—Thompson has the right to reject an outright assignment and become a free agent, though doing so would cost him his remaining salary. Did the Rockies just outsmart the Reds, or are they taking a gamble that might not pay off?
Thompson’s career stats offer a mixed picture. During his time with the Cubs (2021–2024), he logged 227 1/3 innings with a solid 3.64 ERA, showcasing a diverse pitch mix that includes a four-seamer, sinker, cutter, slider, curveball, and changeup. However, his 11.3% walk rate was higher than ideal, though he did show improvement in Triple-A last year, dropping his walk rate to 8.9% while boosting his strikeout rate to 29.5%. And this is the part most people miss: his 4.50 ERA in Triple-A last season was likely inflated by an unusually high .367 batting average on balls in play. Could Thompson be a hidden gem, or is he just a stopgap solution for the Rockies’ pitching woes?
The best-case scenario here is something like what the Orioles achieved with Ryan O’Hearn. After acquiring him from the Royals and designating him for assignment, O’Hearn cleared waivers, stayed in the system, and eventually became a productive roster member for over two years. But will Thompson follow the same path? The Rockies are giving him a chance to compete for a spot, whether as a starter, reliever, or swingman. General manager Josh Byrnes has already hinted at the team’s desire to add veteran innings-eaters to the rotation, and Thompson fits that bill.
But here’s the real question: Are the Rockies making a savvy move, or are they simply capitalizing on the Reds’ misstep? And what does this say about the growing trend of teams signing players only to designate them for assignment shortly after? Is this a smart roster management strategy, or does it undermine player stability? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one transaction that’s sure to spark debate.
