Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Caleb Kilian's Struggles Continue After Canario DFA

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Rich Eberwein | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 7:57 PM ET

Chicago Cubs pitcher Caleb Kilian continued to struggle during his Spring Training debut on Friday, continuing a frustrating trend of lackluster production.

I'm not saying we should read too much into a Spring Training outing, especially because Kilian was only on the mound for an inning and two-thirds. But it was certainly a laborious outing, where the right-hander gave up five hits, a walk, and an earned run. Kilian also struck out 3 batters and escaped a bases-loaded jam with minimal damage.

It wasn't the kind of outing that inspired a ton of confidence, and it was unfortunate timing with rhetoric about how poorly the Cubs' return on the Kris Bryant trade has been. Outfielder Alexander Canario was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Thursday to make room for infielder Justin Turner on the 40-man roster.

Caleb Kilian off to a rough start to his first look this spring. Half of the Kris Bryant trade, he hasn't done much to help the Cubs win that trade. Basically no MLB production from either trade pieces yet, almost four years later.
— The Reverend KFidds (@KFidds) February 21, 2025

Kilian and Canario were both acquired from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Bryant at the 2021 trade deadline. But so far, both have given the Cubs very little value on the major league roster. Now that Canario is gone, Kilian is the only piece left from the deal, and he hasn't been able to take a convincing step forward in his development despite flashes of greatness. In eight appearances in the Majors going back to 2022, Kilian sports a 9.22 ERA, a 2.01 WHIP, and a .318 batting average.

There should be a bit more runway, given the fact that Kilian has one more minor league option remaining on his contract. But if he doesn't get things going soon, it's going to be hard to justify keeping him on the 40-man roster, especially if he continues to struggle during the regular season.

Kilian, who will be 28 in June, may benefit from a change of scenery in a different organization or a full-time move to the bullpen. There is certainly potential, and he found a lot of success earlier in his career, but it feels like Kilian's time with the Cubs is running out.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: