The Rockies claimed Thompson off waivers from the Reds on Wednesday.
Thompson signed a one-year, $1.3 million split contract with the Reds in November, but he was booted off their 40-man roster in December and is now headed to Colorado. He's been used almost exclusively in relief over the past three seasons, but Thompson does have past starting experience, so the Rockies could consider him in a swingman role.