History of Caleb Kilian in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

Caleb Kilian is an American professional baseball pitcher who has competed in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs. A standout collegiate player at Texas Tech, Kilian was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 2018 MLB Draft before being traded to the Cubs organization in 2021 as part of the Kris Bryant deal. Known for his command and developing repertoire, he made his highly anticipated MLB debut in 2022. Kilian has primarily operated as a starting pitcher, moving between the major leagues and the Triple-A Iowa Cubs to refine his skills. Despite facing challenges with injuries and consistency at the highest level, he remains a notable prospect within the Cubs' pitching depth, continuing to work toward securing a permanent role in the starting rotation.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 2, 1997: Birth of Caleb John Kilian

On June 2, 1997, Caleb John Kilian was born; he would go on to become a professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball.

Others born on this day/year

2018: 2018 MLB Draft Selection

In 2018, Caleb Kilian was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 20th round of the Major League Baseball draft; however, he opted not to sign a contract and chose to return to Texas Tech University.

2019: 2019 MLB Draft Selection and Signing

During the 2019 Major League Baseball draft, Caleb Kilian was drafted in the eighth round by the San Francisco Giants, subsequently signing a contract to join the organization in 2019.

2019: Professional Baseball Debut

During the 2019 season, Caleb Kilian began his professional baseball career playing for the Arizona League Giants and the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, notably maintaining a scoreless earned run average across 16 innings of work.

2020: Cancellation of Minor League Season

In 2020, Caleb Kilian did not participate in any professional baseball games due to the widespread cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 30, 2021: Trade to the Chicago Cubs

On July 30, 2021, Caleb Kilian was traded by the San Francisco Giants alongside Alexander Canario to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Kris Bryant.

2021: Advancement Through Minor League Ranks

In 2021, Caleb Kilian started the season competing for the High-A Eugene Emeralds, eventually earning a promotion to the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels.

June 4, 2022: Major League Call-up and Debut

On June 4, 2022, Caleb Kilian was added to the 40-man roster and received his first promotion to the major leagues to start a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

2022: Start of the 2022 Season with Iowa Cubs

In 2022, Caleb Kilian began his professional baseball season as a member of the Iowa Cubs organization.

2023: 2023 Season Struggles and Triple-A Assignment

During the 2023 season, Caleb Kilian was initially optioned to Triple-A Iowa and later made three appearances for the Chicago Cubs, during which he struggled with a 16.88 ERA and recorded 5 strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings.

2024: 2024 Season Injury and Return

During the 2024 spring training, Caleb Kilian suffered a teres major muscle strain that sidelined him for the early part of the season. He was eventually activated from the injured list on July 31, 2024, and went on to record a 0-1 record with a 4.22 ERA and 7 strikeouts over 10.2 innings in two games for the Chicago Cubs.

April 10, 2025: Designated for Assignment by Chicago

On April 10, 2025, following a single start with Triple-A Iowa, Caleb Kilian was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs organization.

December 14, 2025: Signing with the San Francisco Giants

On December 14, 2025, Caleb Kilian officially signed a minor league contract to join the San Francisco Giants organization.

March 25, 2026: Contract Selection and Opening Day Roster Spot

On March 25, 2026, the San Francisco Giants selected Caleb Kilian's contract, confirming that he had secured a spot on the team's Opening Day roster for the season.