Caleb Kilian – Chicago Cubs Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Caleb Kilian has been making waves as a pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization since the Giants drafted him in the 8th round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

The Texas Tech alum, born June 2, 1997, in Anaheim, California, stands 6’4″ and weighs about 180 pounds.

Kilian’s net worth sits around $430,768, but his MLB salary details are still pretty limited since he’s mostly been developing in the minors.

Kilian started his professional journey with the San Francisco Giants before the Cubs picked him up in a trade.

He made his Major League debut with Chicago, finally reaching a goal he’d chased for years.

At 27, Kilian is still a work in progress, hoping to lock down a regular spot in the Cubs’ pitching rotation.

Right now, Kilian is on the 60-day injured list—a tough break for a young player.

Still, his Texas Tech background and his representation by Octagon sports agency keep him in a good spot for future opportunities when he’s healthy again.

Baseball fans might want to keep tabs on him as he keeps grinding toward a bigger role in the big leagues.

Early Life and Education

Kilian’s road to pro baseball started in California but really took off after his family moved to Texas.

He developed his baseball skills during high school and kept building on that foundation at Texas Tech University.

Childhood and Family Background

Caleb John Kilian was born June 2, 1997, in Anaheim, California.

Even though he started out in the Los Angeles area, his family moved to Texas when he was a kid.

He grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, mostly in Flower Mound, Texas, where he fell in love with baseball early on.

His family always supported his baseball dreams, encouraging him to keep at it.

Thanks to the warm Texas weather, Kilian could train year-round, which definitely helped him sharpen his pitching skills as a kid.

High School Years

Kilian went to Flower Mound High School in Texas and quickly made a name for himself as a pitcher.

He showed off impressive control and velocity, which got the attention of college scouts.

At Flower Mound, he juggled academics and baseball, not an easy feat.

He kept improving his pitching mechanics and baseball smarts year after year.

People started noticing his work ethic and his knack for handling pressure in big games.

By his senior year, Kilian ranked among the top pitching prospects in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

He earned some accolades and set himself up for the next chapter in his baseball journey.

Time at Texas Tech University

Forget the University of Minnesota—Kilian actually went to Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

At Texas Tech, he worked on his pitching while keeping up with his studies.

His time with the Red Raiders really shaped him as a pitcher.

During college, Kilian kept getting better, adding new pitches and bumping up his velocity.

MLB scouts started to take notice, and that set him up for the 2019 MLB Draft.

Kilian didn’t slack off in the classroom, either.

He balanced Division I baseball with academics, showing the same focus off the field as on it.

Baseball Career Overview

Kilian’s baseball path stretches from his early days as a college standout to his entry into pro ball through the draft.

He’s moved through different levels, learning and adapting as he goes.

Amateur Performance and Development

Kilian made his mark as a pitcher during his time at Texas Tech University.

He kept refining his mechanics and added more pitches to his arsenal every season.

Standing 6’4″ and weighing 180 pounds, he used his size to generate power on the mound.

Scouts liked his consistency and his ability to throw strikes under pressure.

College stats pointed to his potential as a starter—he could control games and work deep into them.

That amateur experience set the stage for his pro career.

Draft and Entry into Professional Baseball

In 2019, the San Francisco Giants picked Kilian in the 8th round, 236th overall.

That marked his jump from college to pro ball.

He started out with the Giants organization, but soon after, they traded him to the Chicago Cubs.

That trade showed other teams valued him, even though he was a mid-round pick.

Kilian made his Major League debut on June 4, pretty soon after joining the Cubs.

The club clearly believed in his ability to handle big-league hitters.

He got some valuable experience, even if rookie pitchers usually hit a few bumps in the road.

Now, he’s working to carve out a spot in the Cubs’ rotation and stick around for good.

Professional Achievements and Teams

Since the 2019 draft, Kilian has built a solid pro career, moving through the minors and getting his shot at the majors.

Career with the Cubs

Kilian debuted in the majors with the Chicago Cubs on June 4, not long after the Giants traded him over.

He’s bounced between the Cubs’ major league roster and their minor league teams.

Kilian’s shown flashes with his four-pitch mix and his knack for getting ground balls.

Consistency has been a challenge, though, and he’s spent time on the Cubs’ 60-day injured list.

The Cubs are still invested in his development, seeing him as a possible starter or bullpen arm down the road.

His contract is still team-controlled, which makes him a valuable piece for the organization.

Involvement with the Mets

Most folks tie Kilian to the Cubs, but he’s caught the eye of other teams, including the New York Mets.

He hasn’t joined the Mets, but their player development staff has taken a look at his pitching profile.

The Mets like pitchers with his velocity and breaking ball movement.

Some of their scouts have watched him in the minors, which hints at possible trade interest.

Kilian’s ability to induce ground balls could fit well at Citi Field.

Industry chatter sometimes links him to the Mets if the Cubs ever look to make a deal for proven talent.

Notable Pitching Style and Slider

Kilian’s pitching arsenal stands out, especially his slider, which pairs well with his other pitches.

At 6’4″ and 180 pounds, he creates a good downward angle on his pitches.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Four-seam fastball: 93-96 mph with some ride
• Two-seam fastball: 92-94 mph with sink
• Slider: 85-87 mph, sharp late break
• Curveball: 78-80 mph, classic 12-6 drop

The slider has become his go-to secondary pitch, and it racks up swings and misses.

He’s worked with coaches and used video to fine-tune the grip and release.

Pitch tracking data shows his slider keeps getting better, both in movement and effectiveness.

When he spots it down and away to righties, it’s tough for hitters to do much with it.

Significant Community and Team Contributions

Kilian does more than just pitch—he gets involved with the Cubs’ community programs and gives back off the field.

Teammates talk up his work ethic and his willingness to share pitching tips with younger players.

He’s big on using analytics and biomechanics to improve, often working closely with the Cubs’ pitching staff.

Kilian helps out at youth clinics and charity events.

Even though his net worth is about $430,768, he finds time to support programs that bring baseball to kids who might not otherwise get the chance.

Contract Details and Salary Information

Kilian’s financial path in pro baseball reflects both his potential and the fact that he’s still developing.

His contract terms have changed as he’s moved through the league, and he’s currently with the Cubs.

Initial Signing and Bonus Structure

The Giants drafted Kilian, and that’s where his pro earnings started.

Full details of his signing bonus aren’t public, but as an 8th-round pick, it was probably modest.

Rookie deals in MLB usually come with smaller bonuses for guys outside the first round.

These contracts keep players with their original teams for several years on team-friendly terms.

Kilian’s trade to the Cubs changed his career trajectory and his contract situation.

That move marked a key moment for both his development and his earning potential.

Current Contract Terms

As of 2024-2025, Kilian is under a pre-arbitration contract for $740,500 for one year.

That’s the standard salary structure for players early in their MLB careers before they hit arbitration.

His current net worth is estimated at $430,768, which adds up his career earnings so far.

Right now, he’s on the 60-day Injured List (IL), so he’s not on the active roster, but his contract is guaranteed.

That means he still gets paid while he’s recovering.

Extensions and Incentives

So far, there’s no public info about any contract extensions for Kilian.

He’s on track to become eligible for arbitration in a few years, which could bump up his salary quite a bit.

Performance incentives are common in pitcher contracts.

They might cover things like:

• Games started
• Innings pitched
• All-Star nods
• Cy Young votes
• Playoff appearances

As Kilian moves through his MLB contract years, he’ll have more leverage to negotiate these kinds of bonuses.

How he performs and how healthy he stays will play a big role in his future deals and his overall market value as he gets closer to free agency.

Net Worth and Off-Field Ventures

Kilian’s built a modest financial base through his baseball career and has started exploring interests off the field.

His net worth reflects his early-career status, but there’s room for growth as he moves forward.

Estimated Net Worth

As of 2025, Caleb Kilian’s net worth is about $430,768.

That’s what he’s earned from signing bonuses and contracts since turning pro.

It’s a typical number for a developing player who’s split time between the minors and majors.

Drafted in the 8th round in 2019, his first contract wasn’t massive, especially compared to early picks.

His earnings could jump as he cements himself in the majors and lands bigger contracts down the line.

Analysts see real potential for Kilian’s wealth to grow if he keeps progressing and snags more significant deals in the future.

Endorsements and Business Activities

Kilian tends to keep a pretty low profile when it comes to endorsements. You won’t see him in as many national campaigns as some of the bigger names.

Most of his deals are regional. He’s partnered with baseball equipment brands and a few local businesses in the cities where he’s played.

He’s really into baseball training and development off the field, too. Kilian has jumped in on several baseball camps, showing up to help young pitchers and share what he knows.

He’s also mentioned an interest in agricultural investments, which feels pretty fitting for a Texas guy. These ventures are still in the early stages, but they show he’s thinking ahead about life after baseball.

Philanthropy and Community Impact

Kilian really stands out as a community-minded athlete, especially when it comes to youth baseball in underserved areas.

He doesn’t just talk—he shows up, donating gear and spending his own time with programs that introduce the sport to kids who might not otherwise get the chance.

Beyond baseball, he gets involved with educational initiatives, pushing for STEM learning through the game itself.

Kids learn about pitch trajectory and statistics in a way that actually feels interesting, not just like another math class.

When the season winds down, Kilian heads back to Texas Tech, his old college stomping grounds.

There, he mentors young pitchers and helps out with university programs, which really says a lot about how much he values the opportunities baseball gave him.

He’s also jumped into environmental conservation, focusing on water resources in drought-hit regions.

It’s impressive how he uses his baseball platform to draw attention to causes that matter.