After spending eight seasons with the Minnesota Twins, the Cubs have announced that they signed left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar to a one-year deal. The Cubs are getting a pitcher who specializes in left-handed batters and has consistently stranded runners throughout his career. At 37 years old, Thielbar brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to his new team.
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Cubs Sign Caleb Thielbar
Thielbar’s’ MLB career as a reliever began in 2013 at the age of 26. His first year was nothing short of impressive. Over 46 innings, Thielbar posted a stellar 1.76 ERA, 0.826 WHIP, and 233 ERA+, making him one of the most effective relievers in the league. In his second season, Thielbar continued to be a reliable arm out of the bullpen. Appearing in 54 games, his ERA and WHIP slightly rose to 3.40 and 1.406. He proved resilient in high-leverage situations while maintaining a strong 116 ERA+.
Recently, Thielbar has maintained his value as a veteran reliever for Minnesota. Despite battling injuries that limited him in 2023, Thielbar still delivered a strong 3.23 ERA across 30.2 innings. Thielbar’s command was the season’s highlight, with an impressive 0.946 WHIP, striking out 36 batters while only walking six. While 2023 reaffirmed Thielbar’s reliability after injury, 2024 presented its challenges. Appearing in 59 games, the second most during a season in his career, his ERA climbed to 5.32 while giving up the most walks in his career with 24. Despite these struggles, Thielbar struck out 53 batters with a strong 10.1 K/9 innings rate.
Bullpen Impact
Thielbar brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, making him a valuable addition to the Cubs. Throughout his career, lefties have struggled against him, often posting low averages and OPS against him. This makes Thielbar an ideal candidate for high-leverage matchups against left-handed batters. Also, with a decade of experience, Thielbar brings veteran leadership to the bullpen. He can help younger pitchers with their approach and how to fine-tune their mechanics. At 37, Thielbar’s challenges of 2024 may reflect the toll of a long career. Despite these challenges, his recent years have demonstrated resilience and durability, making him a strong signing for the Cubs.
