Cubs Reach Deal with Reliever Caleb Thielbar for 1 Year, per AP
By Jay Cohen / Associated Press - Published 1 hour ago - Updated 1 hour ago
The Chicago Cubs locked in a veteran left-handed reliever on Tuesday by agreeing to a single-year contract with Caleb Thielbar, according to a source familiar with the arrangement who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity due to the deal still undergoing a physical examination.
Thielbar, who will turn 39 in January, delivered a 3-4 record with a 2.64 ERA across 67 appearances in his first season with Chicago. He limited opposing left-handed hitters to a .161 average and posted a .486 OPS against them.
His return adds another left-handed option to the Cubs’ bullpen, joining Hoby Milner, who agreed to a $3.75 million, one-year deal earlier this month. The Cubs also secured right-handed reliever Phil Maton on a $14.5 million, two-year contract on November 25.
Chicago is aiming to rebound and reach the postseason after making the playoffs this year for the first time since 2020. Two other significant bullpen names, Brad Keller and Drew Pomeranz, are currently free agents.
Thielbar began his professional career with the Minnesota Twins, spending eight seasons with the organization. In 2024, he went 2-4 with a 5.32 ERA and recorded three saves over 59 games. A Minnesota native, Thielbar was originally drafted by Milwaukee in the 18th round of the 2009 amateur entry. Over his career, he is 26-16 with a 3.26 ERA in 414 relief appearances.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
