Cubs Claim Rob Zastryzny from Brewers, DFA Jimmy Herget

The Cubs made their first big move of the offseason Monday evening, claiming lefty Rob Zastryzny and designating righty Jimmy Herget for assignment. Zastryzny was the first pitcher drafted by Theo Epstein’s regime to make the big leagues and now he makes his return to the organization. I’m guessing the Cubs will try to sneak him through waivers and keep him around, but I’m not super bullish on his chances to remain with the organization through the offseason.

It’d be great if he is able to stick around because he’s a super awesome guy and having him in the organization in any capacity is a win. Here’s the media release with more:

The Chicago Cubs today claimed left-handed pitcher Rob Zastryzny (za-STRIZ-nee) off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Jimmy Herget was designated for assignment. The 40-man roster currently stands at 40.

Zastryzny, 32, split the 2024 campaign between Triple-A Nashville and the Brewers, going 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA (1 ER/7.2 IP) in nine games (three starts) with the Brewers and 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA (10 ER/29.2 IP) and two saves in 30 relief appearances in Nashville. The lefthander did not allow a run in his first eight major league appearances this past season, spanning 6.2 IP.

A second-round pick of the Cubs in 2013 out of the University of Missouri, the six-foot three-inch Zastryzny begins his second stint with Chicago, after he pitched in the organization from 2013-18, including the 2016-18 seasons in the major leagues. He made his major league debut with the club in 2016, going 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA (2 ER/16.0 IP) in eight games (one start), contributing to Chicago’s World Series championship. In parts of three seasons with the Cubs, the left-handed pitcher went 2-0 with a 4.41 ERA (17 ER/34.2 IP) in 18 games (one start).

A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Zastryzny has pitched in 54 career major league games (five starts), going 4-0 with a 4.30 ERA (32 ER/67.0 IP). After his first stint with Chicago, he spent time with the Dodgers (2019), Marlins (2021), Angels (2022), Mets (2022), Pirates (2023) and Brewers (2024) organizations.

Herget, 31, joined the Cubs organization Sept. 13, after he was claimed off waivers from Atlanta. The righthander did not allow a run in 4.1 IP across four relief outings with Triple-A Iowa following the waiver claim.