Zack Short Bio
Zachary Ryan Short (born May 29, 1995) is an American professional baseball infielder currently in the New York Mets organization of Major League Baseball (MLB). A versatile defender who has seen time at shortstop, third base, and second base, Short has built a journeyman career since his MLB debut, suiting up for the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Houston Astros. Across stints in both the majors and minor leagues, he has been valued for his defensive flexibility and willingness to fill utility roles for contending clubs.
Originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 2016 MLB Draft out of Sacred Heart University, Short worked his way through Chicago’s farm system before reaching the big leagues in 2021 with Detroit. Since then, he has become a familiar name on the waiver wire, frequently moving between organizations while continuing to contribute at the Triple-A level.
Early Life and Background
Zachary Ryan Short was born on May 29, 1995, in Kingston, New York. He grew up in the Hudson Valley region and attended Kingston High School, where he quickly became a standout on the baseball diamond. As a senior, Short served as co-captain of the varsity squad that captured the 2012 New York State Class AA championship, the first in school history. That championship run helped establish his reputation as a clutch performer and a leader among his peers.
Following high school, Short enrolled at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he played college baseball for the Sacred Heart Pioneers. During the summer of 2015, he sharpened his skills in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League, suiting up for the Chatham Anglers. The Cape Cod League is widely regarded as the premier collegiate summer circuit in the country, and Short’s selection to the Anglers placed him among the top amateur talent in the nation that summer.
Path to Baseball
Short’s path to professional baseball began in earnest when the Chicago Cubs selected him in the 17th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft. After signing, he was assigned to the Arizona League Cubs and the Eugene Emeralds for his first professional season, where he batted .257 with one home run and 31 runs batted in (RBI) across 53 games. The experience provided a steady introduction to the rigors of pro ball.
He continued his climb through the Cubs’ system in 2017, splitting the year between the South Bend Cubs and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Short hit a combined .250/.383/.419 with 13 home runs, 47 RBI, and 18 stolen bases in 131 games, showcasing an intriguing blend of on-base skills and pop. In 2018, he advanced to the Tennessee Smokies, where he batted .227 with 17 home runs and 59 RBI over 124 games, solidifying his status as a legitimate middle-infield prospect.
Zack Short Career
Early Career (2016-2019)
Short’s first three full professional seasons were spent within the Chicago Cubs organization, where he steadily progressed from short-season ball to Double-A. The Cubs invited him to major league spring training in 2019, a sign of how highly the organization regarded his defensive versatility and plate discipline. He began that season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs while also spending time with Tennessee and the Arizona League as he rehabbed a minor injury.
Over 63 games in 2019, Short batted .235 with six home runs and 25 RBI, and he capped the year with an appearance in the Arizona Fall League with the Mesa Solar Sox. Following the season, the Cubs added him to their 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft and signaling that he remained firmly in their long-term plans.
Detroit Tigers Era (2020-2023)
On August 31, 2020, the Cubs traded Short to the Detroit Tigers for veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin, shortly before the trade deadline. He did not play a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he arrived in Detroit’s system with a fresh opportunity. On April 21, 2021, Short was promoted to the major leagues for the first time, making his MLB debut that same day as the starting third baseman against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Two days later, on April 23, 2021, Short recorded his first MLB hit, a single off Kansas City Royals starter Mike Minor. He notched his first MLB home run on June 26, a two-run shot off Houston Astros starter Framber Valdez. Short finished his rookie season with a .141 batting average in 61 games. He spent the bulk of 2022 with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, hitting .229/.355/.373 with 11 home runs and 60 RBI in 128 games, while appearing in six big-league contests. In 2023, he set career highs in home runs (7), RBI (33), and stolen bases (5) across 112 games for Detroit.
New York Mets (2024)
On November 6, 2023, Short was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets, and on March 24, 2024, it was announced that he had made the team’s Opening Day roster. In 10 appearances for the Mets, he went 1-for-9 with two walks before being designated for assignment on April 26 to clear roster space for J. D. Martinez.
Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves (2024)
On May 1, 2024, the Mets traded Short to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations. After going 0-for-7 in two games, he was designated for assignment by Boston on May 8. The Red Sox then traded him to the Atlanta Braves on May 9, and he made his Braves debut on May 12 against the New York Mets. Across 30 games with Atlanta, Short batted .148/.313/.204 with five RBI before being designated for assignment on July 25. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, electing free agency on November 4.
Houston Astros (2025)
On January 7, 2025, Short signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros organization. He spent most of the year with the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys, batting .211/.356/.402 with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, and three stolen bases in 73 games. On July 2, the Astros selected his contract, adding him to the active roster. In 22 appearances for Houston, he hit .220/.291/.380 with two home runs and seven RBI before being designated for assignment on August 1. Short cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land, electing free agency on October 3.
New York Mets (Second Stint, 2026-Present)
After brief stints in the Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers systems during the early months of 2026, Short was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets on June 15, 2026. In a memorable moment during his return, he was brought in as a pitcher for the first time in his career in the eighth inning of a 15-3 game against the Philadelphia Phillies, retiring three consecutive batters without allowing a hit or a walk. He remains in the Mets organization as a versatile utility option.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Short’s career are his 2012 New York State Class AA championship at Kingston High School, his MLB debut with the Tigers in April 2021, and his first major league home run off Houston’s Framber Valdez later that same season. His unusual appearance as a relief pitcher in 2026 added another chapter to his journeyman story, highlighting the team-first mindset that has kept him in demand across the league.
Zack Short Career Highlights
Across his professional career, Short has compiled a reputation as a steady defensive infielder capable of playing multiple positions. His most productive major league season came in 2023 with the Tigers, when he set career highs in home runs, RBI, and stolen bases. In the minors, he has consistently been a middle-of-the-order threat, with his 12 home runs for Sugar Land in 2025 standing out as a particularly strong showing.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his MLB service time, Short has logged substantial production in the upper levels of the minors, including a .229 average with 11 home runs for the Toledo Mud Hens in 2022 and a .250/.383/.419 slash line across two Cubs affiliates in 2017. His selection to the Cape Cod League’s Chatham Anglers in 2015 further underscored his standing among the top amateur players of his draft class.
Zack Short Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Short was raised in Kingston, New York, where his baseball roots were first established at Kingston High School. Public information regarding his immediate family remains limited, and he has generally kept his personal life private outside of his playing career.
2025 Season Performance
Short opened the 2025 season in the Houston Astros organization after signing a minor league deal in January. He spent the majority of the year at Triple-A Sugar Land, where he produced 12 home runs and 35 RBI in 73 games, drawing praise for his patient approach at the plate. His strong play earned him a midseason promotion to the Astros’ active roster on July 2.
In 22 major league appearances for Houston, Short hit .220 with two home runs and seven RBI before being designated for assignment on August 1. He cleared waivers and returned to Triple-A, ultimately electing free agency at the end of the season. His 2025 campaign reaffirmed his value as a flexible, power-leaning utility infielder capable of contributing at both the Triple-A and big-league levels.
