One of the fixtures of the Seattle Mariners' bullpen from the last several years will be continuing his career with a National League contender.

Trent Thornton reportedly signed a major league deal with the Chicago Cubs per a post on "X" from Tread Athletics (@TreadsHQ). Thornton threw a bullpen at Tread Athletics' facility in front of scouts, which helped earn him the contract.

Thornton pitched for the Mariners for the better part of three seasons from 2023-25.

Seattle acquired Thornton in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays in return for shortstop Mason McCoy on July 26, 2023.

In his two-and-a-half years in the Pacific Northwest, Thornton posted a 3.65 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 140.2 innings pitched across 127 appearances.

His best full season with the Mariners was in 2024. He had a 3.61 ERA and fanned 77 batters in 72.1 innings pitched across 71 outings.

Thornton was non-tendered by Seattle this offseason following a year full of unfortunate setbacks.

Thornton was placed on the injured list May 9 (retroactive to May 6) due to appendicitis, which he underwent surgery for. He was on the shelf until June 7.

Two weeks after the former North Carolina hurler returned, he suffered heatstroke and collapsed on the mound during a game against the Chicago Cubs on June 21 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Thornton was able to return to the team but tore his left Achilles tendon while trying to make a play off the mound during a game against the Texas Rangers on July 31. That tear kept him out for the rest of the season.

Despite his absence, the Mariners continued to honor Thornton during the team's franchise-best postseason run.

Thornton's jersey was constantly pictured hanging in Seattle's bullpen as it went on to advance to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.

Thornton was also constantly around the team and in the clubhouse during the team's run to the ALCS.

Thornton likely won't be ready for Opening Day for the Cubs. But, according to Tread Athletics performance coordinator Turner Givens, Thornton is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation.

The Mariners bullpen was one of the most chaotic units on the team this past season, in part due to the ailments suffered by Thornton. The M's have been more active to shore up their relief group for 2026.

Seattle acquired left-handed reliever Jose Ferrer from the Washington Nationals in return for top 100 prospect Harry Ford and acquired right-handed reliever Yosver Zulueta in a deal with the Cincinnati Reds.

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