Javier Assad

Javier Eduardo Assad Ramírez Bio

Javier Eduardo Assad Ramírez (born July 30, 1997) is a Mexican professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Tijuana, Mexico native signed with the Cubs as an international free agent in 2015 and developed through their minor league system before making his MLB debut in 2022. Over his career, Assad has emerged as a crucial piece in the Cubs’ rotation, delivering strong performances at both the minor and major league levels.

Early Life and Background

Javier Eduardo Assad Ramírez was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, where he developed his passion for baseball at a young age. While playing Little League Baseball as a youth, he was teammates with future professional baseball player Alfonso Rivas. The two would later reunite on the Chicago Cubs following Assad’s promotion to the major leagues in 2022.

Growing up in Tijuana provided Assad with access to baseball development opportunities that would set the foundation for his future career. His early exposure to the sport and dedication to improving his skills caught the attention of scouts from Major League Baseball organizations.

Path to Professional Baseball

Assad’s talent on the diamond led him to sign with the Chicago Cubs as an international free agent on July 27, 2015. This signing marked the beginning of his professional baseball journey and represented an opportunity for the young Mexican pitcher to pursue his dreams in the United States baseball system. The Cubs organization saw potential in the right-hander and invested in his development.

He made his professional debut with the rookie-level Arizona League Cubs in 2016, where he posted an impressive 2.87 earned run average across 10 games pitched. This strong showing established him as a prospect worth watching within the Cubs’ farm system and set the stage for his progression through the minor leagues.

Javier Eduardo Assad Ramírez Career

Minor League Development (2016–2021)

Assad spent the 2017 season with the Low-A Eugene Emeralds, logging a 5–6 record and 4.23 earned run average with 72 strikeouts in 13 starts. The following year, he pitched for the Single-A South Bend Cubs, appearing in 23 games with 21 starts. He registered a 5–7 record and 4.40 earned run average with 89 strikeouts in 106 and one-third innings of work.

In 2019 with the High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Assad made 22 starts and posted a 4–10 record with a 3.87 earned run average and 91 strikeouts across 116 and one-third innings. He became briefly famous that May when a video of him kicking a dropped ball towards first base during a game went viral on social media. The 2020 season was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling all minor league play.

Assad spent the 2021 season with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, recording a 4–8 record and 5.32 earned run average with 74 strikeouts in 93 innings. That season provided valuable experience against higher-level competition as he continued his development path toward the majors.

MLB Breakthrough (2022)

Assad began the 2022 season with Double-A Tennessee before earning a promotion to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. In 23 combined appearances including 21 starts between the two levels, he excelled with a 5–3 record and a stellar 2.66 earned run average while recording 111 strikeouts in 108 and one-third innings pitched.

On August 23, 2022, Assad was promoted to the Chicago Cubs major league roster for the first time. He made his MLB debut that night in a spot start against the St. Louis Cardinals. Less than a month later, on September 12, he earned his first career victory after allowing just one run on five hits and three walks across six innings of work against the New York Mets.

Chicago Cubs Era (2022–Present)

Following his late-season call-up in 2022, Assad established himself as a reliable member of the Cubs starting rotation. In 2024, the Marquee Sports Network highlighted how Assad had developed into a crucial piece for the Cubs after previously being an overlooked pitcher in the organization.

Assad started 29 contests for the Cubs during the 2024 regular season, posting a 7-6 record with a 3.73 earned run average and 124 strikeouts across 147 innings pitched. These numbers demonstrated his ability to be a durable and effective starter at the major league level. Through June 17, 2026, he has compiled a 23-13 win-loss record with a 3.48 earned run average and 296 strikeouts across his MLB career.

The 2025 season presented challenges as Assad was placed on the injured list to begin the year due to oblique soreness. He was shut down in April due to a Grade 2 strain of his left oblique and transferred to the 60-day injured list. He was activated from the injured list for his season debut on August 12, 2025, and made eight total appearances including seven starts, compiling a 4-1 record and 3.65 earned run average with 23 strikeouts over 37 innings pitched. He began the 2026 season optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Notable Events and Milestones

Assad’s journey to the majors included several memorable moments, from his viral defensive play in the minor leagues to his dramatic first career victory against the Mets. His emergence as a key contributor for the Cubs after being considered an overlooked prospect represents one of the more compelling stories in the Cubs organization. His ability to progress from an international free agent signing to a reliable major league starter demonstrates his dedication and resilience.

Javier Eduardo Assad Ramírez International Career

Assad represented Mexico on the international stage during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In the quarterfinal game against Puerto Rico on March 12, 2023, he threw two and two-thirds scoreless innings in relief, helping Team Mexico advance in the tournament. This experience at a premier international competition showcased his abilities against some of the best players from around the world.

Javier Eduardo Assad Ramírez Career Statistics

Across his MLB career through June 17, 2026, Javier Eduardo Assad Ramírez has established himself as a solid major league pitcher with a winning record and quality earned run average. His career trajectory shows continued improvement and increased responsibility within the Cubs organization.

Javier Eduardo Assad Ramírez Family

Personal Life

Assad is married to Melissa. The couple wed on February 11, 2022, just months before Assad’s major league debut later that same year. His personal life has remained relatively private despite his rising profile in professional baseball.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season presented significant challenges for Javier Eduardo Assad Ramírez as he battled injuries throughout the year. He began the season on the injured list due to oblique soreness and was later shut down completely in April after a Grade 2 strain of his left oblique was diagnosed. This injury required a lengthy rehabilitation process and resulted in his transfer to the 60-day injured list.

After months of recovery, Assad returned to action on August 12, 2025, making his season debut for the Cubs. He demonstrated resilience in his return, making eight total appearances including seven starts. He finished the abbreviated season with a 4-1 record and a 3.65 earned run average, compiling 23 strikeouts across 37 innings pitched. The quality of his performance upon returning from injury suggested he could contribute meaningfully to the Cubs’ rotation going forward.