Cubs Free Agency Update: Caleb Thielbar contract details, Bullpen, Chris Martin

In a world where the Chicago Cubs deserve the benefit of the doubt with their offseason intentions, there would be reasons to be impressed with their free agency efforts so far. The Cubs entered the offseason with question marks all throughout their major league bullpen, and their early moves have provided definitive answers.

The signings of Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, and Caleb Thielbar certainly shouldn't represent the banner moves of the Cubs' offseason, but they all served a purpose. Maton gives the Cubs a dependable setup man and potential replacement for Brad Keller. Milner and Thielbar also provide Craig Counsell with two dependable left-handed options, while offering a different look for opposing hitters.

Cubs Free Agency Update: Caleb Thielbar contract details, Bullpen, Chris Martin

The Cubs have yet to add a starting pitcher this offseason, and it seems likely that they will be outbid for Alex Bregman. That doesn't mean the moves the Cubs have made already aren't good. They needed to be done, and while we wait for larger moves, there remains a need for some patience.

Caleb Thielbar contract details

The contract details are out for Thielbar's return to the Cubs. On a one-year deal, the left-handed veteran will earn $4.5 million. The money is broken down by a $4 million base salary and a $500,000 buyout of a 2027 mutual option—a modest bump from the $2.75 million he made last season during his first season in Chicago.

Bullpen reconstruction isn't completed

When projecting the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day bullpen, it remains clear that they are still in need of another veteran arm capable of closing out games. Daniel Palencia will certainly be a part of that conversation, but as the Cubs have found out in recent years, the planned closer at the start of the season is not always the option at the end of the season. Along those lines, The Athletic's (subscription required) Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma report that even after Thielbar's deal, the Cubs remain in the market for late-inning help.

Chris Martin returns to the Texas Rangers

Chris Martin was one of the first examples of Jed Hoyer and Co. bringing in a veteran bullpen arm with the goal of flipping him at the deadline. Martin posted a 4.31 ERA in 34 appearances with the Cubs to open the 2022 season and was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Zach McKinstry. McKinstry is now a Silver Slugger with the Detroit Tigers, and despite flirting with retirement, Martin is returning to the Texas Rangers on a one-year deal.