Caleb Kilian is back in Cubs blue, cruising through a lat strain without the velocity loss that plagued his season. He returned to Triple-A Iowa with added weight (215 pounds) and a drift-based delivery, and his fastball has touched the high 90s, including a 100 mph peek in a simulated Arizona session and 97.9 in a first Iowa appearance since IL. The performance, plus a string of scoreless relief outings, signals a viable bullpen path as Chicago builds depth for late-season innings.
Fantasy managers should note Kilian’s return comes amid a Kris Bryant trade that brought Kilian and Alexander Canario to the Cubs from the Giants. Canario, another high-upside prospect in the deal, factors into Chicago’s outfield wings as the organization retools. Kilian’s velocity surge and improved mechanics give him multi-inning relief upside, and if health holds, he could become a real late-season darts throw in leagues that prize velocity and bullpen opportunities.
Beyond Kilian, the Bryant–Giants trade frame underscores Chicago’s continued asset accumulation. Kilian’s fastball and Canario’s breakout potential offer tangible upside as the Cubs balance observation, development, and big-league opportunities. Kilian’s goal to finish strong while staying healthy aligns with fantasy strategies that chase high-velocity relievers who can eat multiple innings in critical spots late in the season.
