The Chicago Cubs have had an impressive season thus far, compiling a 37-22 record and a four-game lead in the National League Central.
According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, Chicago’s bullpen has a 2.44 ERA since April 19, best in Major League Baseball.
Several relievers have had a career resurgence, thanks to the Cubs’ pitching lab. Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, Chris Flexen and Daniel Palencia have all dazzled this season in a Cubs uniform.
But the Cubs have another reliever that hasn’t been talked about much and has been every bit as impressive as the other relievers.
Left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar has been the team’s primary lefty option out of the bullpen and has performed well in his first season with Chicago.
Thielbar has been named as the Cubs selection in Bleacher Report’s article about every team’s “best-kept secret” for 2025.
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Thielbar, 38, is one of manager Craig Counsell’s go-to guys in any spot of a game. In 24 appearances, Thielbar is 1-1 with a 2.21 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. He hasn’t allowed a run since April 30.
Thielbar was a Minnesota Twin from 2013 to 2024. After a rough 2024 campaign, the Cubs signed him to a one-year deal that has paid off so far.
He has a career 3.31 ERA in 371 MLB appearances, all coming in relief.
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