The Cubs haven’t signed, haven’t even been seriously considered to sign any of the top free agents this offseason, but they’re certainly amping up their player development department. The latest hire is another recently-retired MLB pitcher Josh Zeid.
The 31-year-old appeared in 48 MLB games as a reliever for the Astros in 2013-14.
I am so excited to announce that I have accepted a position within the Player Development department of the @Cubs organization as Pitching Analyst. Looking forward to joining an incredible staff and great organization.
Can’t wait to begin my second baseball career. #FlytheW pic.twitter.com/mD5brPprBI
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) February 9, 2019
Yeah, this isn’t a big hire right now, but we’ve already seen this offseason that the Cubs are moving in a new direction. They’re definitely leaning toward younger guys to bring into the coaching and developmental part of the organization, promoting 37-year-old Tommy Hottovy to the team’s pitching coach after working as a run prevention coordinator for the past four years.
Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
Earlier this winter the Cubs also hired another former major league pitcher Brad Mills.
Unless you hate all the nerds analyzing different aspects of the game, you’re fine with all these new hires.