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Cubs DFA Last Remaining Player From Kris Bryant Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew Wright | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 9:35 AM ET

The 11-game losing streak that led to the Chicago Cubs trading away their core pieces at the 2021 trade deadline was one of the more shocking events in the franchise's history.

Chicago traded away its three stars: first baseman Anthony Rizzo, shortstop/second baseman Javier Baez, and third baseman Kris Bryant. The Rizzo trade was easily the most shocking, while the Baez and Bryant trades were all but guaranteed after the Rizzo deal.

Bryant was dealt to the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Alexander Canario and right-handed pitcher Caleb Killian.

Both once looked like promising prospects, but things ultimately didn't pan out for either of them. Canario was designated for assignment before spring training, and Killian has now suffered the same fate.

On Thursday, he was designated for assignment after the Cubs made a deal with the San Diego Padres for left-hander pitcher Tim Cosgrove. A 40-man roster spot was needed for Cosgrove, and with Killian currently on the injured list, he unfortunately became the odd man out.

Today’s roster moves: pic.twitter.com/vjy3MleeBu
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 11, 2025

Killian made appearances for Chicago every season from 2022 to 2024 and was quite shaky in most of them. He made three appearances in 2022 and finished the season with an ERA of 10.32.

He followed that up with a 16.88 ERA in three appearances in 2023. His two appearances in 2024 went much better, as he went 10 23 innings with a 4.22 ERA in two appearances.

Killian has been on the injured list since April 5th with an undisclosed injury, so it will be interesting to see when and where he is able to land his next major league job.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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