Cubs make first waiver claim of offseason as Rob Zastryzny returns to organization

Major League Baseball free agency is underway as the Chicago Cubs made several procedural moves on the day recognized as the official start of the offseason.

Beyond teams being able to officially sign free agents, Monday marked the day when players who ended the season on the 60-day IL would need to be added back to the 40-man roster.

In clearing spots on their 40-man roster, the Cubs also added another arm who could be considered for a spot in the bullpen to open the 2025 season.

As Kyle Hendricks officially becomes a free agent, the Cubs added back another player who played for the World Series team in 2016. Rob Zastryzny appeared in 8 games for the Cubs during the 2016 season, posting an ERA of 1.13. Zastryzny had sporadic appearances with the Cubs in 2017 and 2018 before not appearing in the Majors until 2022 with the New York Mets. The former Cubs' farmhand spent the 2024 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, posting a 2.65 ERA in 9 appearances.

Outside of claiming Zastryzny off waivers on Monday, the Cubs had a handful of players elect free agency after being outrighted from the 40-man roster. No real surprises there as Colten Brewer likely punched his ticket out of the organization when he fractured his hand after punching a wall in the Cubs' clubhouse during the 2024 season.

There may be a scenario where Christian Bethancourt returns to the Cubs but given the success he had, he is likely to find a spot on a Major League bench elsewhere. The Cubs are likely to upgrade their catching position this offseason, with the goal being that Miguel Amaya will still see semi-regular playing time.

The Cubs will also likely have an interest in bringing back Yency Almonte. Almonte was a part of the Michael Busch trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason. Almonte posted a 3.45 in 17 appearances with the Cubs this season before a shoulder injury ended his season in May.