Former Twins left-hander and Minnesota native Caleb Thielbar is set to hit free agency this offseason after two years with the Chicago Cubs. While it'd be a fun story if the Twins reunited with the southpaw, Minnesota shouldn't attempt to sign him.
Thielbar spent his entire MLB career with the Twins before signing a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Cubs in the 2024-25 offseason. He had a strong 2025 season with Chicago, recording a 2.64 ERA with 56 strikeouts over 58 innings and throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings in the postseason. Chicago re-signed the Northfield native to a one-year, $4.25 million deal after the 2025 season.
Thielbar has a $6 million mutual option for 2027, but the Cubs will almost certainly decline it. Thielbar had a rough 2026 season, posting a 4.86 ERA over 50 innings. A mutual option hasn't been exercised in over a decade, so even if he had a good 2026 season, it's doubtful his option would've been picked up.
The Minnesota Twins need bullpen help but shouldn't bring back Caleb Thielbar
The Twins should look to acquire more bullpen arms for next season. However, the team shouldn't attempt to bring back Thielbar. The left-hander will be 40 years old in January, and his poor 2026 season probably means he is near the end of his career. He may even decide to retire this offseason.
Now, if he's willing to sign a minor-league deal with the Twins, I suppose that wouldn't hurt. But the Twins should build their bullpen in a way that minor-league signees won't have a chance to crack the Opening Day roster. However, if Thielbar signs a minor-league contract with Minnesota this offseason, he might be willing to start the year with Triple-A St. Paul, since he is a Minnesota native and has a long history with the Twins organization.
Thielbar made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Twins. He recorded a 1.76 ERA over 46 innings in his rookie year. He had a 3.40 ERA in 47 2/3 innings in 2014, then made just six appearances in 2015.
After the 2015 season, Thielbar didn't return to the majors until 2020. He spent most of the 2015 season and all of 2016-19 in the minors. After the 2019 season, Thielbar took a job as Augustana University's pitching coach. He decided to give playing one more shot, returning to the Twins for the 2020 season. He ended up as one of Minnesota's key bullpen arms from 2020-25.
Throughout his 10 seasons in the big leagues, Theilbar recorded a 3.45 ERA with 463 strikeouts over 428 innings. He has had a great career, but it may be coming to an end.
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