Chicago Cubs sign former Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Chicago Cubs have signed former Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Trent Thornton.
According to Tread Athletics, a well-known training facility specializing in pitcher development, right-hander Trent Thornton has signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago Cubs for the 2026 season.
Thornton's signing comes shortly after former Blue Jays left-hander Ryan Borucki joined the Cubs' crosstown rivals over the weekend.
Thornton had been training at Tread following a three-year run in the Seattle Mariners' bullpen.
Prior to his time in Seattle, Thornton spent parts of five seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. He initially worked as a starter before eventually transitioning into a relief role.
During his rookie campaign in 2019, the right-hander led the Blue Jays in innings pitched, logging 154 1/3 frames.
Overall, Thornton appeared in 108 games for Toronto, compiling 260 1/3 innings with a 4.77 ERA and a 4.67 FIP.
Cubs banking on Thornton regaining his form and providing value once he is fully healthy
At the 2023 trade deadline, the Blue Jays dealt Thornton to Seattle in exchange for infielder Mason McCoy.
With the Mariners, the North Carolina native found success as a full-time reliever, posting a 3.65 ERA and a 4.08 FIP across 140 2/3 innings.
He also significantly improved his control, lowering his walk rate to an impressive 2.4 BB/9 while recording a 1.173 WHIP.
Thornton's 2024 season, however, was derailed by injuries. He struggled out of the gate, seeing his ERA and FIP rise to 4.68 and 4.74, respectively, before health issues limited his availability.
An appendicitis diagnosis sidelined him in early May, and an Achilles tear in early August ended his season prematurely, restricting him to just 33 appearances.
The Mariners ultimately non-tendered Thornton this past winter, along with former Blue Jays reliever Tayler Saucedo, leading Thornton to continue his offseason work at Tread Athletics.
While Thornton is expected to begin the season on the sidelines as he works his way back from the Achilles injury, the Cubs will be hoping the right-hander can regain his form and provide value once he is fully healthy.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 19|90 ANSWERS Chicago Cubs sign former Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Do yo think Trent Thornton will effective out of the bullpen when he returns from injury? | ||
| Yes | 30 | 33.3 % |
| No | 30 | 33.3 % |
| Too early to tell | 30 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||