Cubs hire pitching trainer Tyler Zombro to reshape player development strategy

The Chicago Cubs have hired Tyler Zombro, a 30-year-old pitching trainer from Tread Athletics, as a special assistant for pitching. This move marks a significant shift in the team's approach to player development, particularly in improving pitching velocity. The Cubs finished the 2024 season with the lowest average fastball velocity in Major League Baseball, a trend that has persisted since 2021. Zombro's expertise in measurable pitching metrics aims to enhance the team's performance as they prepare for the 2025 season. Zombro's role will focus on player acquisitions and development, leveraging modern training methods to boost the Cubs' pitching staff. This change reflects the organization's growing emphasis on velocity and advanced pitching techniques.