The previous season has been quite a promising run for the Chicago Cubs – despite the team falling short of claiming a wild card slot in the National League, and it cannot be denied that there’s indeed going to be a lot of talk as to how the squad is in dire need of a big push to secure a promising playoff run next season.

Bringing in Caleb Thielbar, so far, has been an interesting look for the team, and it does seem that they will benefit from adding an elite performer who can boost their bullpen now more than ever. So far, there are a lot of talks as to how Thielbar’s pitching may well be the missing piece that the Cubs need to contend for the playoffs, and it does seem that they are hopeful to make the most of their chances at this point.

Considering the fact that they nearly made it to the playoffs – just seven wins short of a wild card slot, Thielbar may well be the significant boost that they need to finally make the most of their chances and reach the postseason for the first time since 2020 – where they got eliminated at the hands of the Miami Marlins.

Seeking Bigger Runs

Thielbar brings in the thunder for the Cubs this season as he joins them with a lot of experience in his belt. He has been pitching for the Twins in eight big seasons – despite not pitching in the Majors from 2016 to 2019. At the age of 37, Thielbar still packs a punch with a 3.38 ERA in 347 career games with Minnesota, amassing 347 strikeouts against 107 walks in 320 innings.

If you are not impressed with his performances, it can be noted that Thielbar has limited left-handed hitters to a .213 average and .593 OPS for his career, compared to a .240 average and .711 OPS against right-handed hitters. He did struggle a bit last year against righties with .286 average on .845 OPS, but still managed to be a menace against lefties at .244 average on .653 OPS.

The Cubs’ bullpen earns a promising upgrade now more than ever, and it can be quite a promising look for their chances of winning and earning a shot in the playoff stage once more.

Can Thielbar Thrive with the Cubs?

Thielbar did enjoy a promising 2024 run with the Twins, where he led ed with a four-seam fastball (93.2 mph on average, per Statcast), using a sweeper, curveball and slider as secondary weapons en route to a 5.32 ERA with 53 strikeouts and 24 walks in 47 1/3 innings (59 appearances). He also amassed a 3.21 ERA on 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings compared to the last four years combined with a total of 179 games.

However, it is also worth noting that Thielbar will have some competition in the bullpen with the Cubs landing right-handers Eli Morgan and Cody Poteet in the offseason. They also landed Rob Zastryzny off waivers from the Brewers and is expected to add more bullpen options in the long run.

As of the time of writing, Chicago will be fielding bullpen players on the 40-man roster, including Nate Pearson, Porter Hodge, Tyson Miller, Julian Merryweather and Keegan Thompson. Daniel Palencia, Ethan Roberts, Luke Little, Jack Neely and Gavin Hollowell. It will remain determined if Thielbar will actually score a starting role for the team moving forward.