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Trent Thornton’s baseball journey is set to enter a new chapter after a devastating injury threatened to derail his career.
The former Toronto Blue Jays reliever, once known for possessing one of the most unique breaking balls in Major League Baseball, has secured a fresh opportunity with the Chicago Cubs as he works his way back to full fitness.
A curveball specialist finds new opportunity
Thornton built his reputation in an era increasingly dominated by high-velocity fastballs by leaning on elite spin and movement.
During his time with Toronto Blue Jays, the right-hander stood out for his ability to manipulate the baseball, particularly with his curveball and slider combination.
A Baseball America scouting report once highlighted his defining strength, stating, “the spin rate on Thornton’s curveball ranks among the highest in baseball, regularly registering above 3,000 rpm.
Thornton’s innate feel for spinning the baseball carries over to his slider.” That rare skill set helped Thornton carve out a role at the major-league level despite not fitting the traditional power-pitcher mold.
Injury setback with Mariners
Thornton’s career momentum suffered a major blow last season while pitching for the Seattle Mariners. The 32-year-old sustained a season-ending Achilles tendon tear, an injury that often casts doubt over a pitcher’s long-term future.
For relievers, lower-body injuries can be especially concerning given the strain placed on legs during delivery and follow-through.
The injury sidelined Thornton for the remainder of the campaign and left his professional future uncertain as he entered the offseason.
Cubs offer a path back
That uncertainty eased this week when the Chicago Cubs announced they had signed Thornton to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training.
While the deal does not place him on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, it provides Thornton with a clear pathway to prove his health and effectiveness within a new organization.
It remains unclear whether Thornton will be fully recovered in time to participate in spring training activities, but the agreement signals that the Cubs see enough upside to take a chance on the veteran right-hander.
Revisiting his Toronto Blue Jays rise
Thornton’s ability to spin the baseball once made him a valued asset in Toronto Blue Jays’ system. After being acquired from the Houston Astros in 2018 in exchange for All-Star utility infielder Aledmys Diaz, he rose to become Blue Jays’ No. 18 prospect in Baseball America’s rankings.
That ascent underscored how highly his pitching traits were regarded across the league.
Now, with his rehab ongoing and a new team backing his comeback, Thornton has an opportunity to extend his MLB career and reintroduce his signature breaking pitches on a competitive stage.
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