Caleb Thielbar: A Minnesota Boy Living an Unexpected Baseball Dream

[Cody Christie]

For Caleb Thielbar, the Minnesota Twins have always been more than just a team; they have been home. As he now prepares to join the Chicago Cubs for the next chapter of his career, it’s the perfect time to reflect on his unique journey.

Image courtesy of © Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Thielbar wasn’t supposed to be here. A tall boy from small-town Minnesota rarely gets an opportunity at the big-league level, and Thielbar has been granted more than one chance to be an essential part of the contending team’s bullpens. His journey with the Twins spanned two different eras, with a near retirement in the middle. Now, he heads to Chicago’s North Side, where he will play his first big-league games without wearing the colors of his hometown team. 

A Journey Through Two Eras
Thielbar’s career with the Twins is a tale of perseverance and second chances. Originally signed by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009, the left-handed reliever from Randolph, Minn. flamed out in that organization and headed to the St. Paul Saints, an independent team at the time. The Twins took notice of him and signed him near the end of the 2011 campaign. 

Two years later, he made his big-league debut in 2013, becoming a reliable bullpen piece through 2015. Thielbar showcased a deceptive delivery and an uncanny ability to keep hitters off balance during that first stint. He posted a 2.74 ERA (147 ERA+) and a 1.12 WHIP over 109 appearances. The final season of that stint saw an apparent decline, though, and the Twins designated him for assignment in 2015. He was claimed by the Padres, but never appeared for them in the majors.

However, baseball careers are rarely linear. Thielbar found himself out of the majors after the 2015 season. The following years included stints in independent leagues and a growing sense that his time in affiliated ball might be over. By 2019, he was ready to hang up his cleats and shift his focus to coaching at Augustana University in South Dakota.

A Second Chance, Thanks to the Twins
Then, the call came. The Twins and Brad Steil saw an opportunity to give Thielbar another chance. At 32 years old, most players might have been considered past their prime, but Thielbar wasn’t just any player. Minnesota saw the opportunity to refine his pitch mix and reestablish him as a strong late-inning option for a team with playoff aspirations. 

Thielbar’s return in 2020 was nothing short of remarkable. He became a mainstay in the bullpen, providing stability and leadership during a period when the Twins contended for division titles. Over his second stint (2020-2024), he appeared in 238 games, posting a 3.12 ERA while striking out nearly 11 batters per nine innings. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters and navigate high-leverage situations made him an indispensable part of the team.

Thielbar’s resurgence would not have been possible without the guidance of Twins pro scouting director Brad Steil, a longtime member of the Twins on the minor-league side. Multiple teams were interested in bringing Thielbar to spring training for the 2020 season, but he was set on moving to the college coaching ranks. However, Steil saw the alterations made by Thielbar at Driveline and convinced the lefty to give it one more shot at living out his big-league dream. 

A Minnesota Legacy
Many players from Minnesota have impacted the Twins, but Thielbar should be remembered for embodying the Midwestern work ethic and taking pride in belonging to his hometown team. His journey from an independent league player to a consistent big-league reliever is a testament to his perseverance and the potency of the technology that informs and augments modern player development. One of his most significant moments came in the 2023 playoffs, as he helped his hometown team end a 20-year playoff losing streak. He pitched in both games of the series and didn’t allow a run. 

Thielbar may be donning a Cubs uniform in 2025, but his legacy in Minnesota is secure. He leaves as one of the most reliable and respected relievers in recent Twins history, embodying resilience and determination every step of the way. For Twins fans, Thielbar will always be part of the Minnesota baseball family.

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What will you remember most about Thielbar’s time in Minnesota? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[tony&rodney]

A real gutsy player and one who provided amazing value to the Twins over his time playing for Minnesota. Considering how many players tanked last season and knowing the entire roster cannot be purged it seemed like there might be another year for Caleb. Apparently the reality of last season and Thielbar's age meant it was time to move on. Good luck to Thielbar. I sure hope he is a star for the Cubs and enjoys pitching in Wrigley Field. Chicago is a great city.

[mikelink45]

We did him no favors last year. When he was off. We should have put him in a lower profile experiences and we didn't. Baldelli is slow to change.   

[Doctor Gast]

Thielbar is a magician, always pulling a rabbit out of the hat when there seemed nothing there. I was hoping him able to do it one more time as a Twin. But I guess it didn't fit into the wait-and-see cards. But as a Minnesotan at heart, I'm very proud of him & wish him the very best. Thank you Caleb for many memorable performances, you'll be missed.

[Brandon]

I hope he has at least 3 more seasons and he gets into 500 games for his career.  500 games is a solid career

[Jocko87]

I’d never heard Caleb described as a “tall boy” before.  I had to check as it didn’t fit my visual memory.  I didn’t realize I also qualified as a tall boy. 

Good for him getting another big league chance.  They were sticking with him for a reason last year.  Wishing him luck. 

[Bodie]

I met Caleb at a Sioux Falls Pheasants (?) game during his MLB hiatus. He was helping out at Augustana College as a pitching coach, and player/coaching with the Pheasants (American Association).  

He seemed as down to Earth as any of the fans at the games, and seemed pretty darned pleased that he was blessed to be playing a game for a living 15 years after the kids he grew up with came to the end of their baseball "career".  

Nice guy, no ego.  I can truly say I wish him the best.

[LambchoP]

Even though he was terrible last year, our lack of quality left handed pitchers had me hoping we could get him back for one more year on a minor league deal to see if he had anything left in the tank. Good for him that he got a major league offer.

[gman]

FYI - For a chance to see Thielbar the Cubs will be in town July 8-10.