Chicago Cubs make bold pitching move following Wild Card Game One excellence 4
Sep 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) before the game against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
According to Maddie Lee at Chicago Sun Times, Cubs director of pitching Ryan Otero is leaving the organization to join the Red Sox. This move reunites Otero with Craig Breslow, in which Otero will have the title of: special assistant to the chief baseball officer. Ortero had held the position of director of pitching since January of 2024, but had been in the organization since 2018 when he originally joined as an assistant in player development.
With Otero departing, Tyler Zombro is expected to take on a larger role. Zombro, who signed last off-season with the title of special assistant to team president Jed Hoyer with an emphasis on pitching, is well known for his work as a performance specialist at Tread Athletics. Lee wrote that Zombro is set to take on a larger role that will include oversight of the minor-league pitching department. His exact title is not yet formalized.
While losing Otero is a significant blow, the Cubs must keep moving forward and adapt to the offseason staff changes. With Zombro reportedly stepping into a larger role, Chicago has an opportunity to maintain continuity and continue building its pitching pipeline. The organization’s ability to push through departures and stay focused on development will be key as they prepare for the 2026 season.