Zastryzny elects to become free agent

Veteran left-hander Rob Zastryzny (Edmonton, Alta.) has elected to become a minor league free agent. Photo: MLB.com/YouTube

October 10, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Left-hander Rob Zastryzny has elected to become a minor league free agent.

His decision was announced on the MiLB.com transactions page on Thursday.

The Milwaukee Brewers designated Zastryzny for assignment on September 17. Two days later, he was assigned to the Brewers’ triple-A Nashville Sounds.

The Brewers’ decision to DFA Zastryzny came after he completed a rehab assignment with the Sounds. He did not pitch for the Brewers this season due to a shoulder strain that he first suffered while pitching for Canada in the World Baseball Classic.

In total, the 34-year-old Zastryzny posted a 1.93 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Sounds this season. He had nine strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings.

In 26 games with the Brewers in 2025, Zastryzny went 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA and struck out 20 batters in 22 innings.

The Edmonton-born southpaw has pitched in parts of seven major league seasons with the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates and Brewers.

For his MLB career, he owns a 6-1 record and a 3.84 ERA in 80 appearances (six starts).

He earned a World Series ring with the Cubs in 2016.