"Thornton, a Wasserman client, has pitched in parts of seven big league seasons, all coming between the Blue Jays and Mariners. The 32-year-old had more success with the latter, pitching to a combined 3.65 ERA in 140 2/3 frames from 2023-25. Thornton was sitting on a 4.68 ERA in 42 1/3 innings this past season, his numbers still recovering from a five-run meltdown early in the season, when he suffered a torn Achilles that ended his season."
"Tread's announcement on the deal noted that Thornton is "ahead of schedule" in his rehab from that season-ending injury. A source tells MLBTR he's full-go off the mound already and will be healthy for spring training. Thornton began his career as a starter with the Jays, taking the ball 29 times and tossing 154 1/3 innings as a rookie in 2019."
"During that 2024 season, Thornton sat 95.5 mph with his heater but leaned far more heavily on a mid-80s slider, tossing it at a near-52% clip. Overall, during his Mariners stint, Thornton fanned 22.5% of opponents against a 6.6% walk rate. His 39.7% ground-ball rate was a bit lower than average. Thornton won't be guaranteed a spot in the Chicago 'pen but will hope to follow the Brad Keller model, parlaying a non-roster deal into a relief job and a hearty free-agent contract next winter."
Trent Thornton signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago Cubs that includes a non-roster invitation to spring training. The 32-year-old right-hander has seven major-league seasons between Toronto and Seattle, posting a 3.65 ERA across 140 2/3 innings from 2023–25 and a 4.68 ERA in 42 1/3 innings this past season before suffering a torn Achilles. Thornton is ahead of schedule in rehab, full-go off the mound, and expected to be healthy for spring. He began as a 2019 rookie starter, moved to the bullpen, and found renewed success in Seattle using a high-velocity heater and a mid-80s slider heavily.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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