The Cubs gained some roster flexibility.

The team was granted an extra minor league option year for right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian, a team source confirmed. The news was first reported by MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian.

Now, the Cubs don’t have to start Kilian in the major leagues on Opening Day. The Cubs can option him to the minors without passing him through waivers.

And they have a pitching staff that has plenty of arms without options. In their rotation, Javier Assad is the only pitcher with minor-league options remaining. In the bullpen, Tyson Miller, Keegan Thompson, Julian Merryweather, Caleb Thielbar, Matt Festa and Rob Zastryzny are all out of options.

If Kilian hadn’t received the fourth year, that would have left just one spot in their bullpen for a pitcher with options. That could create potential roster headaches for the Cubs over the course of the season.

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Kilian was having a solid spring last year. In 3 appearances, the 27-year-old had a 1.50 ERA and 0.67 WHIP in Cactus League play. But he suffered a right shoulder strain that meant he started the year on the 60-day IL, and he didn’t return to game action until July.

The extra year allows the righty to proceed through Spring Training without having to worry about a potential DFA. He’ll likely be stretched out this spring, but will serve as depth for Craig Counsell’s rotation and bullpen.

Kilian was acquired in the Kris Bryant trade with the Giants — alongside outfielder Alexander Canario — in 2021 and was immediately billed as one of the team’s top prospects. He’s had some success in the minor leagues but has failed to replicate that in the majors.

In 8 games across 3 seasons, Kilian has a 9.22 ERA and 2.01 WHIP in 27.1 innings. Last season he appeared in 2 games, allowing 5 earned runs in 10.2 innings.