Jimmy Herget Bio
Jimmy Matthew Herget is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on September 9, 1993, Herget has built a reputation as a versatile pitcher capable of filling both starting and relief roles throughout his MLB career. He made his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds in July 2019 and has since played for the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago Cubs before joining the Colorado Rockies in 2025. His unconventional sidearm delivery and high spin rate have helped him develop effective secondary pitches that generate significant movement, earning him the nickname “The Human Glitch” among baseball analysts and fans.
Early Life and Background
Herget grew up in Tampa, Florida, where he attended Jefferson High School. During his high school career, he played as an outfielder on the baseball team, showcasing his athleticism and love for the game from an early age. His strong performance at the high school level caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his selection by the Atlanta Braves in the 40th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Rather than signing with the Braves organization at that time, Herget chose to pursue higher education and continue his baseball development at the collegiate level.
Following high school, Herget enrolled at the University of South Florida, where he played for the South Florida Bulls college baseball team. He quickly established himself as one of the top pitchers in the conference, demonstrating the skills that would eventually carry him to professional baseball. His dedication to refining his craft during these formative years laid the foundation for his eventual transition from position player to professional pitcher.
Path to Professional Baseball
Herget’s collegiate career at South Florida proved to be a turning point in his development as a pitcher. During the 2013 season, he recorded the second-lowest earned run average in the Big East Conference, signaling his emergence as a dominant collegiate arm. Over the next two seasons, he earned recognition as a first-team All-American Athletic Conference pitcher, consistently performing at a high level against top competition. As a junior in 2015, Herget posted impressive numbers, going 10-3 with a 2.92 earned run average across 17 appearances, including 16 starts.
During the summer of 2014, Herget continued to hone his skills by playing collegiate summer baseball with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League, widely regarded as one of the premier summer leagues for college players. This experience against top-tier competition further prepared him for the challenges of professional baseball. Following his standout junior season at South Florida, Herget entered the 2015 MLB Draft, where the Cincinnati Reds selected him in the 22nd round, officially beginning his professional baseball journey.
Jimmy Herget Career
Minor League Development (2015–2019)
Herget began his professional career in 2015 with the Billings Mustangs, the Reds’ rookie-level affiliate in the Pioneer League. He made an immediate impact, compiling a 3-0 record with a 3.20 earned run average and 26 strikeouts over 25 and one-third innings pitched. The following season, he advanced to the Daytona Tortugas in the Florida State League, where he significantly elevated his performance. In 2016, Herget went 4-4 with a remarkable 1.78 earned run average and 83 strikeouts across 60 and two-thirds innings, earning recognition as a Florida State League All-Star.
His steady progression through the Reds’ minor league system continued in 2017, when he split time between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the Triple-A Louisville Bats. Combined, he posted a 4-4 record with a 2.90 earned run average and 72 strikeouts over 62 innings. His strong performance earned him a selection to the All-Star Futures Game in July, a prestigious honor that showcases the top minor league prospects in baseball. Herget returned to Louisville for the 2018 season, going 1-3 with a 3.47 earned run average and 65 strikeouts across 59 and two-thirds innings. His consistent minor league results led the Reds to add him to their 40-man roster following the season, protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft.
Cincinnati Reds (2019)
Herget opened the 2019 season with Louisville, where he continued to perform well, posting a 3-4 record with a 2.91 earned run average and 68 strikeouts over 58 and two-thirds innings. On July 1, 2019, the Reds promoted Herget to the major leagues for the first time in his career. He made his MLB debut on July 7, allowing three runs in two-thirds of an inning pitched against the San Diego Padres. Herget appeared in four games for the Reds during the 2019 season, pitching six and one-third innings with a 4.26 earned run average before being designated for assignment on November 25.
Texas Rangers (2020–2021)
On December 2, 2019, the Texas Rangers claimed Herget off waivers from the Reds. He was designated for assignment twice during the offseason but ultimately remained with the organization, being outrighted to the minors in January 2020. Herget’s contract was selected to the active roster on July 31, 2020, during the shortened pandemic-affected season. He earned his first MLB win on September 26, 2020, after entering a save situation but allowing the tying run before the Rangers completed a comeback victory. In 20 appearances that season, Herget went 1-0 with a 3.20 earned run average.
Following the 2020 season, Herget signed a major league contract with the Rangers on December 11. However, he was designated for assignment again in February 2021 after Texas acquired Josh Sborz and was subsequently outrighted to Triple-A Round Rock. He rejoined the Rangers’ active roster in August 2021 after an effective stint with the Express, but his second stint with Texas lasted only 13 days before he was designated for assignment once more and ultimately became a free agent.
Los Angeles Angels (2021–2023)
On August 16, 2021, Herget signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels and was assigned to Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. After four appearances with Salt Lake where he struggled with a 13.50 earned run average, the Angels selected his contract to the major league roster on August 31. Herget quickly found his footing with his new organization and became a valuable member of their bullpen. During the 2022 season, he appeared in 69 innings across 66 games, registering a 2.48 earned run average with nine saves while working almost exclusively out of the bullpen, demonstrating his ability to handle high-leverage situations.
The 2023 season presented more challenges for Herget, as he made 29 appearances for the Angels, posting a 2-4 record with a 4.66 earned run average and 26 strikeouts across 29 innings. He also appeared in 25 games with Triple-A Salt Lake during the season. To begin the 2024 season, Herget was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake, where he continued working to refine his craft while awaiting another opportunity at the major league level.
Atlanta Braves (2024)
On May 2, 2024, Herget was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations. He was assigned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers before receiving a recall to the majors on May 25. Herget made his Braves debut that same day, pitching a scoreless inning with two strikeouts against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Over eight appearances with Atlanta, he compiled a 4.38 earned run average with 15 strikeouts across 12 and one-third innings pitched. The Braves designated Herget for assignment on September 11, 2024, after which he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs three days later.
Chicago Cubs (2024)
Following his acquisition by the Chicago Cubs, Herget reported to Triple-A Iowa Cubs, where he made four scoreless appearances, striking out five batters across four and one-third innings. However, the Cubs designated him for assignment on November 4, 2024, concluding his brief tenure with the organization and setting the stage for his next major league opportunity.
Colorado Rockies Era (2025–Present)
On November 8, 2024, the Colorado Rockies claimed Herget off waivers, bringing him to his sixth MLB organization. The 2025 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Herget as he established himself as a reliable arm in the Rockies’ bullpen. He appeared in a career-high 59 games, pitching 83 and one-third innings with a 2.48 earned run average and 1-2 record. His durability and consistency throughout the season demonstrated his ability to handle heavy workloads in Colorado’s challenging home ballpark environment. After the successful campaign, Herget indicated that he was considering a transition to the starting rotation, potentially adding another dimension to his already versatile skill set.
Driving Style and Strengths
Herget features an unconventional sidearm delivery that sets him apart from many contemporary pitchers. This arm angle, combined with his high spin rate, produces significant horizontal movement on his primary pitches. His best offerings include a curveball and sinker that feature exceptional movement profiles, making them difficult for hitters to barrel up consistently. The frisbee-like action on his pitches has become his calling card, earning him the memorable nickname “The Human Glitch” from Rob Friedman, a prominent baseball analyst. This unique repertoire allows him to generate ground-ball outs and miss bats simultaneously, giving him options to navigate through opposing lineups in various situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Herget has reached several notable milestones that underscore his persistence and adaptability within professional baseball. His first MLB win with the Rangers in September 2020, achieved after blowing a save opportunity, demonstrated his mental toughness and ability to respond to adversity. The 2025 season with Colorado Rockies marked his most prolific campaign at the major league level, as he set career highs in appearances, innings pitched, and earned run average. His potential conversion to a starting pitcher represents an exciting new chapter in his professional journey.
Jimmy Herget Career Wins
Across his MLB career spanning six organizations, Herget has accumulated a record of 8 wins and 13 losses with a 3.25 earned run average and 245 strikeouts through June 26, 2026. His career has been characterized by versatility, having served in both starting and relief roles throughout his time in professional baseball.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Herget’s most productive MLB season came in 2022 with the Angels, when he registered nine saves while posting a 2.48 earned run average in 69 innings of work. His 2025 campaign with the Rockies represented his highest appearance total and lowest earned run average at the major league level. His first career win came with the Rangers on September 26, 2020, in a game that showcased his ability to battle through difficult circumstances. Across his career, Herget has demonstrated the capacity to pitch effectively in high-leverage situations while maintaining the durability required for extended bullpen roles.
Minor League Achievements
Before reaching the majors, Herget established himself as a dominant minor league pitcher with several standout campaigns. His 2016 season with Daytona Tortugas, where he posted a 1.78 earned run average and earned Florida State League All-Star honors, represented one of his finest performances in the minor leagues. His 2017 selection to the All-Star Futures Game highlighted his status as one of the top prospects in the Reds’ organization at that time.
| Competition Level | Wins | Losses | Era | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB Career (through June 26, 2026) | 8 | 13 | 3.25 | 245 |
Jimmy Herget Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details regarding Jimmy Herget’s family background and racing lineage are not publicly available in verified sources. Information about his parents, siblings, or any family connections to professional baseball or motorsports has not been confirmed through reliable channels.
Personal Life
Public information regarding Jimmy Herget’s marital status, spouse, or children is not available through verified sources. The details of his personal life remain private, and he has not publicly disclosed information regarding significant relationships or family matters.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant turning point in Jimmy Herget’s professional baseball career as he joined the Colorado Rockies organization. Appearing in 59 games, he logged a career-high 83 and one-third innings pitched while posting a stellar 2.48 earned run average, demonstrating exceptional consistency from the Rockies’ bullpen. His ability to pitch effectively in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field showcased his adaptability and mental fortitude as a professional pitcher. Working primarily as a reliever, Herget served in various roles including setup duties and occasional closing opportunities, providing the Rockies with a dependable arm in high-pressure situations.
The partnership between Herget and the Rockies’ coaching staff proved beneficial for both parties, as he benefited from the organization’s development resources while contributing valuable experience to a relatively young bullpen. His professional approach and work ethic set an example for less experienced pitchers within the clubhouse. Following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, Herget expressed openness to exploring a transition to the starting rotation, indicating his desire to expand his role and potentially extend his career longevity. This willingness to adapt demonstrates his commitment to maximizing his abilities and contributing to team success in any capacity the organization requires.