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With recent rumors pointing the New York Yankees toward rumored Chicago Cubs' target Andrew Chafin and a potential reunion with fellow left-handed relief pitcher Tim Hill, it seemed that the Cubs were going to need to act quickly if they were going to add a southpaw to their bullpen for the 2025 season.
The Cubs did act quickly with a Major League deal for a left-handed pitcher but it is someone who fans wouldn't recognize at the local Jewel if they crossed paths.
On Tuesday, the Cubs inked left-handed relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar to a one-year deal.
The Cubs have signed Caleb Thielbar to a 1-year deal. pic.twitter.com/AEDDes66LS
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) December 31, 2024
Cubs fans will be left with questions following latest bullpen addition
The Cubs fanbase is comprised of tortured souls, so there is no question they will hate the move at first glance—mostly because his last name is not Chafin. Adding to the misery of Cubs fans is the fact that Thielbar posted a 5.32 ERA in 59 appearances out of the Minnesota Twins' bullpen last season.
It would be somewhat lazy to call Thielbar a bad reliever. Even with the Twins last season, the 37-year-old reliever posted a 4.10, suggesting he was the victim of some bad luck. Beyond that, Thielbar's expected ERA last season was 4.11, a considerable improvement from his actual mark. It also, at first glance, seems that Thielbar was uncharacteristically wild last season.
Assuming the Cubs are able to correct the command issues last season, Thielbar's track record suggests he could be a valued left-hander out of the bullpen for the Cubs. Prior to the 2024 season with the Twins, Thielbar had four consecutive seasons of Sub-3.50 ERA.
It's not an earth-shattering move for the Cubs, but in the post-Mark Leiter Jr. era of the team's bullpen, there was a need for a pitcher who could get left-handed hitters. Thielbar has a chance to check that box. Of course, on a grander level, the Cubs would be wise to add a veteran with closing experience to avoid relying on Porter Hodge being the answer in his first full season at the Major League level.