Robert John Zastryzny Bio
Robert John Zastryzny is a Canadian-American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Zastryzny has established himself as a reliable left-handed pitcher throughout his professional career. He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Zastryzny was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in 2016, earning a World Series championship ring with the Cubs that same year.
Early Life and Background
Zastryzny was born on March 26, 1992, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His family relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas, when he was just one year old, making him a product of the Texas baseball system. He holds dual Canadian-American citizenship, which enabled him to represent Canada in international competition later in his career. Zastryzny was homeschooled during his childhood, which provided flexibility for his athletic pursuits.
At Calallen High School in Corpus Christi, Zastryzny developed into an exceptional two-way player, serving as both pitcher and first baseman. By his junior year, he concentrated solely on pitching, a decision that proved pivotal to his future. During his high school career, he compiled an impressive 26–4 win-loss record with a 0.71 earned run average and 299 strikeouts. His senior season was particularly dominant, as he posted a 17–1 record with a 0.20 ERA and 198 strikeouts. Most notably, Zastryzny pitched a perfect game during his junior year, showcasing the talent that would carry him to the professional ranks.
Path to Professional Baseball
After graduating from Calallen High School, Zastryzny enrolled at the University of Missouri, where he played college baseball for the Missouri Tigers from 2011 to 2013. Over three seasons with the Tigers, he accumulated a 9–19 win-loss record with a 3.79 ERA and 228 strikeouts, ranking eighth all-time in strikeouts in program history. Despite a challenging win-loss record, his strikeout ability and ERA demonstrated his potential as a professional pitcher.
Zastryzny’s strong collegiate performance caught the attention of major league scouts. The Chicago Cubs selected him in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft with the 41st overall pick. He began his professional career immediately after signing, reporting to the Boise Hawks of the Low-A Northwest League. He quickly climbed the minor league ladder, earning promotions to the Kane County Cougars, Daytona Cubs, and Tennessee Smokies over the following seasons. In 2015, after the regular season concluded, the Cubs assigned him to the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League to gain additional experience against top prospects.
Robert John Zastryzny Career
Chicago Cubs (2016–2018)
Zastryzny began the 2016 season with the Tennessee Smokies of Double-A and earned a mid-season promotion to the Iowa Cubs of Triple-A. On August 19, 2016, the Chicago Cubs promoted him to the major leagues. He made 11 relief appearances for the Cubs that season, finishing with a 1–0 record and a remarkable 1.13 ERA. That year, the Cubs won the 2016 World Series, ending their historic 108-year championship drought. Though Zastryzny did not appear in any World Series games, he earned a championship ring as part of the organization.
Zastryzny remained with the Cubs organization through the 2018 season, though he spent much of that year in the minor leagues. The Cubs designated him for assignment on September 1, 2018, and he was outrighted to Iowa on September 3. He was released by the Cubs organization on March 25, 2019, concluding his tenure with the team that had drafted and developed him.
Minor League Journeys (2019–2021)
Following his release from the Cubs, Zastryzny signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 26, 2019. He spent the season with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers and Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, appearing in 23 games with a 4–8 record and 5.58 ERA. After the season, he represented Canada at the Premier12 tournament. He signed with the Baltimore Orioles in November 2019 but did not play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling the minor league season. He spent most of that year at the team’s alternate training site before his release in September 2020.
In March 2021, Zastryzny signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League. His contract was purchased by the Miami Marlins in May 2021, and he was assigned to Triple-A Jacksonville. He appeared in 24 games for Jacksonville, posting a 3.68 ERA with 41 strikeouts and 2 saves before electing free agency at season’s end.
New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels (2022)
Zastryzny signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets on November 29, 2021. On August 20, 2022, the Mets selected his contract from Triple-A Syracuse and promoted him to the major league roster. His time with the Mets was brief, as he was optioned to the minors just two days later and designated for assignment on August 22. The Los Angeles Angels claimed him off waivers on August 25, 2022. He appeared in limited action with the Angels before being designated for assignment in November when the team protected prospects from the Rule 5 draft. He became a free agent after being non-tendered.
Pittsburgh Pirates (2023)
On December 22, 2022, Zastryzny signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had his contract selected to the major league roster on March 30, 2023. In 18 appearances for Pittsburgh, he posted a 5.29 ERA with 13 strikeouts over 17 innings pitched. He spent time on the injured list with left forearm inflammation before being designated for assignment in July. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis. In August, he was selected back to the major league roster but was designated for assignment again in September. He cleared waivers and elected free agency.
Milwaukee Brewers Era (2024–Present)
On December 12, 2023, Zastryzny signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He began the 2024 season with Triple-A Nashville, where he compiled a 3.18 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 2 saves across 28 and one-third innings. On June 29, 2024, the Brewers selected his contract and added him to their major league roster. In 9 appearances for Milwaukee, he recorded a 1.17 ERA with 5 strikeouts over 7 and two-thirds innings. He was placed on the injured list with left elbow tendinitis on July 26 and transferred to the 60-day injured list in September, ending his 2024 season.
Following the 2024 season, Zastryzny was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs on November 4, 2024. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on February 4, 2025, and after clearing waivers, he elected free agency rather than accept an outright assignment. He signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees on February 17, 2025, and appeared in 13 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. On May 16, 2025, Zastryzny was traded back to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations, and his contract was selected to their active roster.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Zastryzny is a left-handed pitcher who has primarily served as a reliever throughout his major league career. His ability to pitch effectively against both left-handed and right-handed hitters has made him a valuable asset in bullpen roles. His experience spanning multiple organizations and Triple-A seasons has provided him with versatility and adaptability in various pitching situations.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Zastryzny’s most significant career milestone remains his participation in the 2016 Chicago Cubs organization during their historic World Series championship season. Though he did not appear in postseason games, his inclusion on the NLCS roster demonstrated the organization’s confidence in his abilities. He has also represented Canada in international competition, including the 2019 WBSC Premier12 tournament. Through his MLB career, Zastryzny has accumulated a 6–1 win-loss record with a 3.84 ERA and 74 strikeouts.
Robert John Zastryzny Career Statistics
Throughout his Major League Baseball career spanning from 2016 to 2025, Zastryzny has appeared in relief roles for multiple organizations. His career statistics reflect a reliable middle reliever who has been able to contribute at the major league level across different teams and situations.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Zastryzny made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs on August 19, 2016, and earned his first career win during that initial call-up. His 2016 season saw him post a remarkable 1.13 ERA in 11 appearances, establishing himself as a capable left-handed option out of the bullpen. He has since appeared in games with the Mets, Angels, Pirates, and Brewers, accumulating a career record of 6–1 with a 3.84 ERA and 74 strikeouts across his MLB appearances.
Minor League and International Play
Beyond his MLB appearances, Zastryzny has logged significant innings in the minor leagues across multiple levels and organizations. His international experience includes representing Canada at the 2019 WBSC Premier12 tournament. His minor league career includes successful stints with Triple-A Nashville in 2024 before his call-up to Milwaukee.
Robert John Zastryzny Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Zastryzny was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of one. His early exposure to baseball in Texas, a state known for its strong baseball culture, provided him with excellent development opportunities. He grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged his athletic pursuits, ultimately leading to his success at Calallen High School and beyond.
Personal Life
Zastryzny married Natalie Sanchez in 2018. The couple resides in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he continues to maintain connections to the community where he grew up. His dual Canadian-American citizenship has allowed him to represent his birth country in international baseball competitions, including the Canadian national team.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Zastryzny in the New York Yankees organization after signing a minor league contract in February. He appeared in 13 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, recording a 4.50 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 12 innings pitched. In mid-May, his career path brought him back to Milwaukee when the Brewers acquired him from the Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. His contract was immediately selected to the active roster, providing the Brewers with experienced left-handed bullpen depth.
Throughout his career, Zastryzny has demonstrated adaptability by successfully transitioning between organizations and contributing at various levels of professional baseball. His ability to perform in both starter and reliever roles has made him a valuable commodity in baseball operations. As he continues his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, Zastryzny brings a combination of major league experience, championship pedigree, and international representation that enriches his clubhouse presence and pitching staff contribution.