The Chicago Cubs and front office member Tyler Zombro have now been together for just over a year, making this winter their second offseason as a partnership. Zombro, who was previously heavily involved in pitching development at Tread Athletics, joined the organization last year as a special assistant to Jed Hoyer with a focus on pitching.
Since arriving, Zombro has already made a notable impact. He has been credited with helping facilitate the signing of Brad Keller, who went on to break out in the Cubs’ bullpen last season. More recently, Tread Athletics athlete Collin Snider, who has prior major-league success on his résume, signed with Chicago and could be positioned for a similar trajectory.
It didn’t take long for Zombro influence to be felt throughout the organization. That impact has not gone unnoticed, as the Cubs recently announced his promotion to vice president of pitching.
Chicago Cubs block Tyler Zombro from exploring outside opportunity
Jan 12, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer talks to the media after introducing pitcher Shota Imanaga (not pictured) during a press conference at Loews Chicago Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
This offseason, the Cubs saw Director of Pitching Ryan Otero depart for the Boston Red Sox, along with Corey Ray, who left to join the Washington Nationals. According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, the Nationals also attempted to lure another member of Chicago’s front office, Tyler Zombro, by offering him a promotion that would have put him in charge of their entire pitching operation.
Rather than risk losing Zombro, the Cubs responded by promoting him to vice president of pitching. While Sharma noted that the promotion was already in motion prior to Otero’s departure, it underscores how widely Zombro’s impact is recognized around the league. Credit to Chicago for identifying his value, elevating him into a meaningful leadership role, and effectively shutting the door on a lateral, or lesser, move elsewhere while retaining a key architect of their pitching vision.
In the end, this move reflects a front office that understands the importance of continuity and influence in pitching development. By promoting and retaining Zombro, the Cubs not only protected a key internal voice but also sent a clear message about how highly they value his vision and impact.
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