Cubs Release Right-Handed Pitcher After Struggles on the Mound
The Chicago Cubs have officially released right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian as of April 10, 2025. The move came shortly after Kilian was designated for assignment on April 3, giving the team time to place him on waivers. After passing through waivers unclaimed, the Cubs opted not to keep him in their minor league system, instead releasing him and opening the door for him to sign with any of Major League Baseball’s 30 teams.
Kilian, who will turn 28 in June, was once a highly regarded pitching prospect. He began his professional journey in 2019 after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants. The Cubs acquired him in 2021 as part of the trade that sent Kris Bryant to San Francisco. Kilian showed promise in the minors, particularly in 2021, when he posted a 2.42 ERA and nearly a 30% strikeout rate across two levels. However, that early potential never quite translated into lasting major league success.
Kilian made his big league debut with the Cubs in 2022, and while his first outing was encouraging, the outings that followed were anything but. Control issues and inconsistent performances plagued him throughout his time in the majors, where he finished with a career ERA of 9.22. Even at the Triple-A level, Kilian struggled to maintain consistency, alternating between flashes of improvement and stretches of poor command or low strikeout numbers.
Heading into the 2025 season, Kilian once again competed for a roster spot, but his performance in Spring Training raised more questions than answers. He struck out over 30% of hitters but gave up 12 hits in just six innings, finishing with a 7.50 ERA. His lone Triple-A start this year didn’t help his case, as he surrendered six earned runs in just over two innings. With little momentum to build on, the Cubs chose to designate him for assignment and, ultimately, release him.
Now a free agent, Kilian has a chance to reset and pursue opportunities elsewhere. Whether he signs with another MLB team, tries to rebuild in independent leagues, or explores international options remains to be seen. Once a key piece in a high-profile trade, Kilian now finds himself looking for a fresh start and a new team to help revive his professional career.
