MLB
Who is Javier Assad? The Mexican pitcher making a new history in the MLB
The Mexican pitcher who plays for the Chicago Cubs is having a historic moment, as he is currently ranked as the fourth-best pitcher in the Major Leagues.
The road was not easy. After being in the Chicago Cubs organization since 2015, Javier Assad did not see his opportunity to debut in the Major Leagues until 2022.
An outstanding performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, especially against the United States, where he pitched three quality innings in which he allowed one hit and had two more strikeouts, catapulted him to have the opportunity he dreamed of.
Assad has more than responded to the manager’s trust. This season, he has a 1.49 ERA, fourth in the entire MLB in that department.
In the year in which Mexico lost one of its best pitchers, Julio Urías, out after being accused of domestic violence, Assad positions himself to seek to be the face of Mexican baseball.
Only Sota Imanoga (Cubs), Reynaldo López (Braves), and Ranger Suárez (Phillies) have been more effective in terms of runs allowed than the Mexican pitcher this season.
Assad’s repertoire
Assad’s repertoire includes a changeup, a slider, and a fastball, which has helped him dominate players of the stature of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jorge Polanco, among others, this season.
“The truth is that I spoke with him, and I congratulate him very much because he is an example to follow for all Mexicans. I believe that he is going to be the next Mexican superstar as a pitcher that is expected, and he already is, but I believe that he is going to be a player who can make history in Mexico” Edgar González, former Mexican baseball player in the Major Leagues, recently said.