Caleb Thielbar Signs Back with Cubs

The Chicago Cubs continue to bolster their pitching depth with the reported re-signing of LHP Caleb Thielbar, one of the team's most trusted bullpen arms in 2025.

After spending parts of eight seasons with the Twins, the Cubs inked the lefty to a one-year deal heading into 2025. The expectation was that Thielbar would bounce back from a 5.00+ ERA in 2024; he far exceeded those expectations. Not only did he become the team’s go-to high-leverage left-hander, but he also turned in his best statistical season since his rookie campaign in 2013.

Thielbar features a low-90s fastball, a near over-the-top delivery, and a curveball/sweeper/slider combo that generates consistent whiffs and weak contact. According to baseballsavant.com, Thielbar’s breaking ball run value (9) ranked in the 92nd percentile, while his hard-hit rate (31.8%) sat in the 97th percentile. These metrics make it easy to see why manager Craig Counsell called upon the lefty so often in high-leverage situations.

Thielbar rejoins the North Siders following a 67-game, 2.64 ERA season. Because he performed just as well "under the hood" as he did on the surface, there is significant optimism for a repeat performance in 2026. Following the signings of Phil Maton and Hoby Milner, Thielbar fits in nicely as a "Swiss Army knife" reliever. His prowess as a high leverage arm allows Counsell to deploy him at any critical point in a game, rather than being strictly limited to a setup role for closer Daniel Palencia.

In keeping with the theme of the offseason, the Cubs are prioritizing bullpen depth. By locking up a veteran like Thielbar, the Cubs allow young arms—such as Luke Little, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, and Porter Hodge—the space to develop as Major Leaguers without the immediate pressure of carrying the back end of the bullpen.