Cubs Re-Sign Caleb Thielbar Amidst Offseason Changes

The Cubs are set to bring back left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar on a one-year deal, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The terms of the contract are contingent on a physical and were not immediately disclosed.

Thielbar, who is 38 years old, had a 2.64 ERA last season, marking his best performance in that metric since 2020. The veteran spent eight years with the Twins before joining the Cubs and became one of manager Craig Counsell's most trusted high-leverage arms, finishing the season with 25 holds and one save.

Late in the year, the Cubs utilized a closer-by-committee approach, with Thielbar playing a significant role in that strategy. Counsel noted the unique nature of pitching, emphasizing that improvements can happen later in a player's career, which he attributed to health, strength, and evolving techniques.

The Cubs' bullpen had a solid overall performance, finishing with a 3.78 ERA, ranking fifth in the National League. As the team looks to rebuild its bullpen after a season filled with turnover, Thielbar's return comes alongside the additions of left-hander Hoby Milner and right-hander Phil Maton, both of whom bring experience to the squad.