Caleb Thielbar: A Minnesota Boy Living an Unexpected Baseball Dream

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.

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