Chicago Cubs Release Pitcher Acquired In Kris Bryant Trade

The Chicago Cubs have designated right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian for assignment, effectively cutting ties with one of the key returns from the 2021 Kris Bryant trade. 

Kilian, once a top pitching prospect, was acquired from the San Francisco Giants alongside outfielder Alexander Canario in a deal that marked the end of Bryant’s storied tenure in Chicago. 

Now, both players are gone from the organization—Canario was designated for assignment earlier this spring and later traded to the New York Mets before landing with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kilian’s DFA came as a corresponding move to the Cubs acquiring left-handed reliever Tom Cosgrove from the San Diego Padres for cash considerations.

Revisiting the Kris Bryant trade:

Cubs received:
- OF Alexander Canario (21 G with CHC, DFA’d, traded to Mets)
- RHP Caleb Kilian (9.22 ERA in 8 MLB games with Cubs)

Giants received:
- Kris Bryant (.262/.344/.444 in 51 G for SF before signing with COL)pic.twitter.com/JmdnDkcBZe

— The Wrigley Wire (@TheWrigleyWire) March 21, 2025

Kilian, 28, never found his footing in the majors, finishing with a career 9.22 ERA and 2.01 WHIP over just 27.1 innings across three seasons. 

Despite flashing potential early in his minor league career and hitting 98 mph with a varied pitch mix, he struggled to consistently miss bats. Injuries also derailed his development, most notably a shoulder strain that sidelined him for four months in 2024. 

After a strong spring showing that included a 1.50 ERA in Cactus League play, Kilian opened this season in Triple-A Iowa but allowed six earned runs in 2.1 innings during his lone appearance before landing on the injured list.

Kris Bryant trade landed Alexander Canario and Caleb Kilian
- injuries derailed but a whole lot of nothing overall

Javy Baez trade landed PCA
- BAAAAANG

Anthony Rizzo trade landed Kevin Alcantara and Alexander Vizcaino
- one guy decided to not show up to camp the next season,…

— Cody Delmendo (@cody_chgo) April 11, 2025

In return, the Cubs added Cosgrove, a 28-year-old sidearming lefty with a strong 2023 campaign but a rough 2024 marked by elbow issues and a bloated 11.66 ERA in limited big league action. 

He joins a bullpen that has lacked left-handed depth behind Caleb Thielbar and Luke Little. For Kilian, the DFA begins a seven-day window during which he could be traded, claimed off waivers, or outrighted to Triple-A if he clears. 

While the Cubs could still retain him in the system, it’s possible another team takes a chance on a pitcher with his velocity and pedigree—something Chicago perhaps waited too long to fully explore in a bullpen role.

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images