Caleb Thielbar, a seasoned left-handed reliever, has signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs after an eventful eight-season tenure with the Minnesota Twins. The 37-year-old, who hails from Randolph, Minnesota, made history as the first player to participate in games for both the St. Paul Saints and the Twins.

Thielbar’s journey began when he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009 but faced early setbacks, including being released in 2010. He found a new opportunity with the independent Saints in 2011, leading to his eventual call-up to the Twins in 2013. Over the years, he experienced ups and downs, including stints in the minors and a return to the Twins in 2020.

The Chicago Cubs have officially signed left-handed pitcher Caleb Thielbar to a one-year contract, marking a significant addition to their bullpen. The announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting the team's commitment to enhancing their roster for the upcoming season.

Caleb Thielbar, now 37 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the Cubs, having spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Minnesota Twins. In the previous season, Thielbar recorded a 2-4 win-loss record with a 5.32 earned run average (ERA) and secured three saves over the course of 59 games. His journey in professional baseball began when he was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round of the 2009 amateur draft.

Throughout his career, Thielbar has demonstrated reliability as a relief pitcher, compiling a record of 23 wins and 12 losses, alongside an impressive ERA of 3.38 across 347 appearances. This signing reflects the Cubs' strategy to bolster their pitching staff as they prepare for a competitive season ahead.

The Minnesota Twins enter the offseason facing significant decisions regarding free agents, arbitration-eligible players, and potential trades. Key free agents include Max Kepler and Carlos Santana, the latter having had a standout season. With a payroll commitment of approximately $126 million, the Twins must navigate limited flexibility while aiming to rebound from a disappointing end to the previous season.

They will likely decline options for players like Kyle Farmer and Manuel Margot, while arbitration-eligible players such as Willi Castro and Bailey Ober could command substantial salaries. Additionally, the Twins may explore trades for Chris Paddack and Christian Vázquez as they seek to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.