Chicago Cubs get a scare with star pitcher, show troubling signs of collapse 8 Sep 13, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Caleb Thielbar (24) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during a game at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Report: Cubs bring back important veteran pitcher

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Dec 16, 2025 4:01 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have had a quiet offseason thus far. Jed Hoyer has made a couple of quality smaller moves, but no high-impact addition has been made to this point in time.

Recently, the Cubs made an interesting bullpen addition in the form of Hoby Milner. Chicago had a clear emphasis on the bullpen entering the offseason, also signing veteran reliever Phil Maton early on. Now, the Cubs have made another move to bolster the bullpen.

According to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Jesse Rogers, Chicago has agreed to terms on a one-year deal to bring back Caleb Thielbar. He was a key piece in the Cubs’ bullpen during the 2025 campaign.

“NEWS: The Cubs are bringing back lefty Caleb Thielbar who pitched well for them last season, sources tell me and @JeffPassan,” Rogers wrote on X. Thielbar, 38, had a 2.64 ERA in 67 games last season. He joins newcomer Toby Milner as lefties in the Cubs pen. The deal is pending a physical.”

Last season with Chicago, Thielbar appeared in 67 games, as they noted in the report, compiling a 3-4 record to go along with a 2.64 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, a 4.3 K/BB ratio, 58 innings pitched, one save, 25 holds, and three blown saves. Those numbers were excellent for the Cubs and were more than worth re-signing.

While the move is a quality addition for the 2026 version of the team, Chicago needs to make more moves. Kyle Tucker remains a free agent and is still expected to walk. Hoyer and company will need to find a player who can help replace his production.

Also, the Cubs could use another starting pitcher. They have been connected to quite a few potential options. So far, they haven’t been willing to pay the premium required to win a bidding war for a starter.

Expect to continue hearing a lot of rumors about Chicago in the coming days and weeks. Thielbar has now been re-signed, but the work is far from done for the Cubs if they want to compete for a championship next season.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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