Two Pitchers Elect Minor League Free Agency

A pair of veteran relievers have elected minor league free agency, per the MiLB.com transactions page. Here’s a rundown… Ian Hamilton (Braves) A few weeks after the Yankees non-tendered Hamilton last November, the right-hander landed a non-guaranteed, major league contract with the Braves. Hamilton did not make the Braves’ Opening Day roster, though, and they wound up outrighting him three times during the season. The 31-year-old made just four appearances with Atlanta and gave up four earned runs on six hits and three walks (against four strikeouts) in 4 2/3 innings. He was far more successful with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he posted a 2.79 ERA with a 27% strikeout rate and a 9.4% walk rate in 38 2/3 frames. Also a former member of the White Sox and Twins, Hamilton is returning to the open market with a 3.72 ERA and a strong 46.8% ground-ball rate over 155 major league innings. He has fanned hitters at a 25.2% mark and issued free passes at an 11.1% clip. Rob Zastryzny (Brewers) The left-handed Zastryzny debuted with the Cubs back in 2016, the season they snapped a 108-year World Series title drought, but hasn’t seen much major league action. Over a combined 80 appearances and 89 innings with the Cubs, Mets, Angels, Pirates and Brewers, the journeyman has recorded a 3.84 ERA with below-average strikeout and walk rates of 19% and 10.5%, respectively. Zastryzny threw a career-high 22 frames and logged a stingy 2.45 ERA with the Brewers in 2025, but a trapezius strain ruined his season this year. The injury prevented the 34-year-old from pitching in the majors and limited him to 11 minor league frames. When Zastryzny was able to take the mound, his average fastball velocity dipped from 92 mph to 90. The Brewers outrighted him on Sept. 21. View Comments (0)