Jimmy Herget Bio
Jimmy Matthew Herget is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). A reliable bullpen arm, he has also pitched in MLB for the Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, and Atlanta Braves. Known for an unconventional sidearm delivery, Herget has built his career as a versatile reliever capable of handling high-leverage innings.
Born on September 9, 1993, Herget grew up in Florida and developed into a draft prospect through his play in high school and college baseball. After being selected in the 2015 MLB draft, he climbed through the minor leagues before reaching the majors in 2019. He has since appeared at the highest level for five different MLB organizations.
Early Life and Background
Herget attended Jefferson High School in Tampa, Florida, where he played outfielder on the baseball team. His performance caught the attention of professional scouts, and the Atlanta Braves selected him in the 40th round of the 2012 MLB draft. Choosing to pursue a college career, he did not sign with Atlanta and instead committed to the University of South Florida.
At South Florida, Herget transitioned from position player to pitcher and quickly developed into one of the top arms in his conference. In 2013, he posted the second-lowest earned run average in the Big East Conference. He followed that with back-to-back selections as an All-American Athletic Conference first team pitcher in 2014 and 2015. During the summer of 2014, he gained additional experience playing collegiate summer baseball with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Path to Professional Baseball
As a junior in 2015, Herget went 10–3 with a 2.92 ERA in 17 games, including 16 starts, cementing his status as a prospect. The Cincinnati Reds selected him in the 22nd round of the 2015 MLB draft, and he launched his professional career that summer with the Billings Mustangs. He went 3–0 with a 3.20 ERA and 26 strikeouts over 25 and one-third innings in his first professional season.
Herget advanced through the Reds system over the next several years, playing for the Daytona Tortugas in 2016 and splitting time between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Louisville Bats in 2017. He earned a Florida State League All-Star nod in 2016 and was selected for the All-Star Futures Game in July 2017. Cincinnati added him to its 40-man roster after the 2018 season, signaling his place in the organization’s future plans.
Jimmy Herget Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Herget opened 2019 with Triple-A Louisville before the Reds promoted him to the major leagues on July 1. He made his MLB debut on July 7, allowing three runs in two-thirds of an inning. Across six and one-third innings with Cincinnati that year, he posted a 4.26 ERA before being designated for assignment in November.
The Texas Rangers claimed Herget off waivers in December 2019. After a series of roster moves, he earned his first MLB win on September 26, 2020, while working in relief during the shortened season. He finished the year 1–0 with a 3.20 ERA in 20 appearances, then signed a new major league deal with the Rangers in December.
Texas Rangers Breakthrough (2020–2021)
Herget spent much of 2021 shuttling between Triple-A Round Rock and the Rangers before Texas selected his contract on August 1. He appeared in several games before being designated for assignment again on August 13. He became a free agent on August 15, 2021, ending his Rangers tenure.
Despite the roster churn, Herget’s stint with Texas provided his first extended major league look and helped him adjust to the demands of a full MLB bullpen role. The experience prepared him for the more prominent opportunities that followed with other organizations.
Los Angeles Angels Era (2021–2023)
The Los Angeles Angels signed Herget to a minor league deal on August 16, 2021, and assigned him to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. He joined the Angels bullpen on August 31 and quickly settled into a late-inning relief role. In 2022, he posted a 2.48 ERA with nine saves across 69 innings while working almost exclusively out of the bullpen.
Herget made 29 appearances for the Angels in 2023, going 2–4 with a 4.66 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 29 innings. He also pitched in 25 games at Triple-A and was optioned to Salt Lake to begin the 2024 season. He was designated for assignment on April 28, 2024, following the promotion of Zac Kristofak.
Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs (2024)
On May 2, 2024, the Atlanta Braves acquired Herget in a trade for cash and assigned him to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. He was recalled to the majors on May 25 and made his Braves debut that day against the Pittsburgh Pirates, pitching a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. Over eight appearances with Atlanta, he recorded a 4.38 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 12 and one-third innings before being designated for assignment on September 11.
The Chicago Cubs claimed Herget off waivers on September 13, 2024. He made four scoreless appearances for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, striking out five batters in four and one-third innings. He was designated for assignment by Chicago on November 4.
Colorado Rockies Era (2024–Present)
The Colorado Rockies claimed Herget off waivers on November 8, 2024, giving him a fresh opportunity in the National League West. He rewarded that opportunity with his heaviest major league workload to date, pitching a career-high 83 and one-third innings across 59 games. He went 1–2 with a 2.48 ERA while serving as a dependable middle reliever.
Following the successful season, Herget indicated he was considering a transition to a starting pitcher role. His performance with the Rockies established him as a versatile arm within the organization’s pitching staff and set the stage for an expanded role.
Driving Style and Strengths
Herget’s unconventional sidearm delivery and high spin rate have produced a curveball and sinker that feature effective horizontal movement. The frisbee-like action of his pitches has earned him the nickname “The Human Glitch” from pitching analyst Rob Friedman. That unique movement profile allows him to generate swings and misses against both left-handed and right-handed hitters.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Herget’s career milestones are his MLB debut with the Reds on July 7, 2019, his first MLB win with the Rangers on September 26, 2020, and his selection to the All-Star Futures Game in July 2017. He also reached career highs in innings and appearances with the Rockies, pitching 83 and one-third innings across 59 games in his first full season with the club.
Jimmy Herget Career Wins
Across his MLB career, Jimmy Matthew Herget has accumulated wins and key relief appearances for the Reds, Rangers, Angels, Braves, and Rockies. His first major league victory came with Texas during the shortened 2020 season, and he has added to that total through steady work out of the bullpen. His most prolific season came with the Rockies, where he logged a career-high number of appearances.
Major League Highlights
Herget earned his first MLB win on September 26, 2020, after inheriting a lead following a blown save opportunity. He went 1–0 with a 3.20 ERA in 20 appearances for Texas that year, establishing himself as a reliable relief option. His strongest all-around major league season came in 2022 with the Angels, when he posted a 2.48 ERA with nine saves in 69 innings.
Other Wins and Performances
In the minors, Herget posted a 3–0 record with Billings in 2015 and went 4–4 with a 1.78 ERA and 83 strikeouts for Daytona in 2016, earning Florida State League All-Star honors. He later combined for a 4–4 record with a 2.90 ERA between Pensacola and Louisville in 2017 before reaching Triple-A and eventually the majors.
Jimmy Herget Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Herget grew up in Tampa, Florida, and developed his baseball skills at Jefferson High School. His path to professional baseball was shaped by his decision to attend the University of South Florida rather than sign with the Braves out of high school.
Personal Life
Herget resides in the United States and maintains his baseball career out of the Colorado Rockies organization. Details about his immediate family are not widely publicized.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents Jimmy Herget’s first full year as a member of the Colorado Rockies bullpen following his strong debut campaign with the club. After logging a career-high 83 and one-third innings across 59 games in his initial Rockies season, he entered 2025 as a trusted reliever capable of handling multiple innings. His sidearm delivery and high spin rate remain central to his value, allowing manager Bud Black to deploy him against hitters from both sides of the plate.
Through the early portion of the 2025 season, Herget continued to serve as a steady presence in the Colorado relief corps. His track record of strong ERA marks and willingness to work multiple innings has positioned him as a potential candidate for an expanded role. Whether he remains in the bullpen or transitions into starting work, his workload and effectiveness will be central storylines to watch.
Looking ahead, the Rockies appear likely to continue leaning on Herget’s unique profile as they navigate a competitive National League West. If he maintains his 2024 form, he could emerge as one of the more reliable middle relievers in the division and play a meaningful role in late-inning situations throughout 2025.
