Rob Zastryzny – Chicago Cubs Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Rob Zastryzny has carved out a steady, if under-the-radar, career in professional baseball. He’s bounced around a few organizations, but right now, the Canadian-American pitcher, born March 26, 1992, in Edmonton, is with the New York Yankees. He’s currently pulling in a $750,000 salary, which brings his estimated net worth to about $2.2 million.

The Chicago Cubs drafted him in the second round (41st overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft out of the University of Missouri. Zastryzny’s last name (it’s pronounced za-STRIZ-nee) turns heads, but it’s his left-handed arm that’s kept him signed.

Now 33, the relief pitcher keeps pushing forward with the Yankees. He’s had stints with other teams, too. Zastryzny doesn’t usually make headlines, but his persistence has kept him in pro baseball, helping him build up career earnings and contract value over the years.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Rob Zastryzny’s baseball story starts with his Canadian roots, but it really took off after his family moved to Texas. That’s where he honed his skills, both in school and on the field.

Background and Family

Rob Zastryzny was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on March 26, 1992. His family didn’t stay long—when Rob was just a year old, they moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. That move changed everything.

He’s got dual citizenship, so he kept his Canadian heritage while growing up in Texas, which is about as baseball-crazy as it gets. Being surrounded by sports in the Lone Star State helped him pick up the game pretty naturally.

His family really backed him up through all the years of youth baseball. That support made a difference as he climbed the competitive ladder.

Education and Early Baseball Experience

Zastryzny’s talent started turning heads in high school. Scouts and college coaches noticed his left-handed pitching, which always seems to stand out.

He went on to the University of Missouri after high school. College ball with the Missouri Tigers gave him a bigger stage to show what he could do.

He kept improving and stayed consistent, which is probably why MLB scouts paid attention. His time at Missouri helped him get ready for the grind of pro baseball.

All that work paid off in the 2013 MLB Draft. The Chicago Cubs picked him in the second round, 41st overall, and that kicked off his professional journey.

Professional Baseball Journey

Rob Zastryzny’s road to the majors started with that 2013 draft pick. He’s had his ups and downs, but he’s pitched for the Cubs, made his MLB debut, and kept bouncing around to different teams as he built his career.

MLB Draft and Minor League Progression

The Chicago Cubs picked Rob Zastryzny after his college days at Missouri. He jumped right into their farm system.

He worked his way up through the minors, pitching for teams like:

• Kane County Cougars (A)
• Daytona Cubs (A-Advanced)
• Tennessee Smokies (Double-A)
• Iowa Cubs (Triple-A)

He kept refining his pitches as he moved up. By 2016, his Triple-A numbers looked pretty good, and Cubs management took notice.

Chicago Cubs Debut and Impact

Zastryzny made his MLB debut on August 19, 2016, in the middle of the Cubs’ famous World Series season. He faced the Colorado Rockies and threw 2⅔ scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

He quickly became a solid bullpen arm. The Cubs used him as a reliever and sometimes as a spot starter, which gave them some useful depth. In his rookie year, he pitched in eight games and finished with a 1.13 ERA.

He delivered a key performance against the Pirates, tossing multiple scoreless innings. While he didn’t make the World Series roster, his regular-season work helped the Cubs lock up a playoff spot.

Stints with Other MLB Teams

After Chicago, Zastryzny bounced around a bit. He signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds, still working on his pitching and moving between the majors and minors.

The trade deadline always brought some uncertainty for him. He’s been a free agent more than once, but he kept finding new opportunities.

He landed with the New York Yankees organization most recently. His salary of $750,000 shows teams still see value in a lefty who can both start and relieve.

Pitching Style, Role, and Performance

Rob Zastryzny has put together a unique approach on the mound. He’s bounced between starting and relief roles, which has made him a handy piece for teams like the Cubs and now the Yankees.

Pitching Arsenal and Technique

Zastryzny throws a mix of four pitches: a fastball in the low-90s, a changeup, a curveball, and a cutter. His lefty delivery comes from a tough angle, which can really mess with hitters—especially other lefties.

His curveball stands out as his best secondary pitch. It’s got good break and depth. When he’s got his pitches working, he forces weak contact instead of just blowing hitters away.

He tweaked his mechanics during his minor league days, which helped him get better command and control. That became even more important when he settled into a bullpen role.

Key Career Highlights

Zastryzny’s biggest moment came in 2016, when he debuted during the Cubs’ championship run. That rookie season, he put up a 1.13 ERA in eight relief outings.

He’s been able to start or come out of the bullpen, which has helped him stick on rosters even if he never locked down a permanent spot. Managers could use him for a few innings in different situations.

He hasn’t usually pitched in the highest-leverage spots, but he’s been a reliable long reliever. Eating innings in blowouts or extras isn’t glamorous, but it’s important.

Injury History and Comebacks

Zastryzny has dealt with some tough injuries. A forearm strain in 2017 limited his time with the Cubs, making the road back to the majors even rougher.

He spent a lot of time in the minors, working to get his form and confidence back after those injuries. Rehab and mechanical tweaks became part of his routine.

He also had a tough recovery after an elbow surgery that cost him valuable time. Even with all those setbacks, he kept fighting for a roster spot in spring training, showing the kind of mental toughness you need in pro sports.

That resilience has defined his journey, whether with the Yankees or other teams.

Contract History and Salary

Rob Zastryzny’s career includes a bunch of different contracts and salary changes. His paychecks reflect his time in both the minors and the majors.

MLB Contracts and Team Agreements

Right now, Zastryzny’s earning $750,000 a year for the 2025 season. That’s up a bit from his $740,000 deal the year before. His salary is pretty modest compared to most veterans.

His estimated net worth is $2,200,158, built up over his pro years. As a lefty, he’s stayed useful enough to keep landing MLB gigs, even if he’s never scored a massive contract.

He’s mostly signed one-year deals, which is common for guys in his role. That setup gives teams flexibility, and it lets Zastryzny try to boost his value each season.

Trades and Transactions

In December 2023, Zastryzny signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. While pitching for Triple-A Nashville, he posted a 3.18 ERA over 28 outings, proving he could still get outs.

The Yankees picked him up as a free agent on a minor league contract with a spring training invite. On February 13, 2025, he chose free agency again, looking for a new shot before the trade deadline.

Zastryzny has moved around as teams shuffle their bullpens. His lefty specialty keeps him in the mix, even if he’s not a headline-grabber.

Net Worth and Off-Field Ventures

Rob Zastryzny’s built up a solid financial base from his baseball career and has managed his money off the field, too. His wealth comes from MLB contracts and maybe some side gigs.

Estimated Career Earnings

Zastryzny’s net worth sits at about $2.2 million as of 2025. Most of that comes from his MLB contracts, including his current $750,000 salary—no signing bonus in the mix.

He’s played for a handful of organizations, which all add up in his earnings history. As a reliever with more than a year of MLB service, his pay fits what you’d expect for a bullpen specialist.

His years with the Cubs—he was picked before guys like Brewers reliever Devin Williams—were probably his most financially stable. The Yankees deal gives him a chance to keep adding to that total.

Endorsements and Personal Investments

Zastryzny isn’t exactly one of MLB’s biggest names, but he still keeps a modest portfolio of endorsements and investments. Since he’s a Canadian-born player who went to the University of Missouri, he’s managed to build marketing relationships in both countries.

He usually picks his endorsement deals pretty carefully. Zastryzny sticks to regional brands and baseball equipment companies that fit his professional image.

These deals give him a little extra income on top of his MLB salary. Thankfully, they don’t eat up much of his time during the season.

When it comes to investing, Zastryzny seems to play it safe. Reports say he puts some of his earnings into real estate and tried-and-true financial instruments.

Honestly, that’s a pretty common move for MLB players. Most of them want long-term financial security, especially since pro sports careers can be unpredictable.