The Cubs have continued their quest to bolster their bullpen this offseason with a familiar name, agreeing to a one-year contract with lefty reliever Caleb Thielbar, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Tuesday. The club has not confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical.
Thielbar, 38, was one of Chicago’s key relievers in 2025, posting a 2.64 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 13 walks over 58 innings. He initially joined the Cubs on a one-year deal last December.
With Thielbar, Drew Pomeranz and Brad Keller all reaching free agency and Andrew Kittredge departing in a trade with the Orioles, the bullpen was expected to be a focus for the Cubs this offseason.
They’ve now added four arms to their relief corps, reaching a two-year deal with right-hander Phil Maton and a one-year deal with lefty Hoby Milner -- as well agreeing to a Minor League deal with righty Collin Snider. Only the Maton signing has been announced by the team.
Thielbar, who will turn 39 on Jan. 31, has pitched to a 3.26 ERA over 414 career appearances. Prior to joining the Cubs, he pitched in 347 games with the Twins over parts of eight seasons. He also spent time with the Brewers, Padres, Marlins, Tigers and Braves organizations, but he never appeared in an MLB game with any of those clubs.