The Cubs have re-signed right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian to a minor league contract just days after releasing him. According to Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register, Kilian will head back to Triple-A Iowa once he’s healthy enough to pitch again.
How the Cubs and Kilian Reunited?
Kilian was designated for assignment by the Cubs last Thursday as part of a roster move to make room for Tom Cosgrove, who was acquired in a trade with the San Diego Padres. At the time, Kilian was on the minor league injured list, so the Cubs couldn’t put him on waivers. They had two options: trade him or release him. As is often the case with players in this situation, Kilian was released over the weekend.
Once a player clears waivers, they can negotiate with any team. But often their former team will circle back and re-sign them to a minor league deal if there’s mutual interest. That’s what happened here—Kilian was only on the open market for a few days before he agreed to come back to the Cubs.
A Familiar Face in the Organization
Kilian has been in the Cubs system since the 2021 trade deadline, when he and Alexander Canario were acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Kris Bryant. Neither player has lived up to expectations so far.
Canario’s power was overshadowed by his high strikeout rates, and the Cubs moved on from him this offseason. Kilian has struggled to find consistency in the majors and minors. In three seasons, he’s made eight appearances in the big leagues with a 9.22 ERA in 27 1/3 innings. He’s walked 20 and struck out 21.
In Triple-A, he’s posted a 4.37 ERA in parts of four seasons with 274 innings. His strikeout rate (21.8%) and walk rate (9.2%) are both below average, making him a depth guy, not a top prospect. This year, he made one start for Iowa before going on the IL with an unknown injury that limited him to 2 1/3 rough innings.
What’s Next for Kilian?
Once healthy, Kilian will be non-roster depth for the Cubs and will likely start or long relief in Triple-A. He hasn’t established himself as a reliable MLB contributor but the Cubs see value in keeping him around as depth.
For now, Kilian will focus on getting back to form and proving he can contribute at higher levels. If he can get back some of that early career promise, he could work his way back into the conversation for a call-up.