Trent Thornton Expected to Part Ways With Cubs After Solid 2026 Season

Chicago Cubs reliever Trent Thornton posted a 3.35 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, and 0.7 bWAR across 42.2 innings in 2026 after recovering from an Achilles injury. Signed to a $1 million deal last offseason, the 33-year-old righty maintained a 2.32 ERA through August 26 before a late blowup inflated his numbers. Despite a solid rebound season, his low 15.8% strikeout rate makes it unlikely Chicago will retain him as they seek higher-velocity bullpen options.