Zimmermann spent all of 2024 in the Orioles’ minor league system, then almost all of 2025 with Milwaukee’s Triple-A affiliate before his contract was selected in the final week of the season. As the Brewers looked to cover their innings and generally bail out their pitchers heading into the playoffs, Zimmermann ate up six innings in a September 23 start, allowing five earned runs in his only MLB appearance of the year.
The southpaw’s previous big league resume includes 158 1/3 innings with the Orioles from 2020-23, in which he started 27 of 38 games and posted a 5.57 ERA, 18.1% strikeout rate and 5.2% walk rate. Zimmermann was tagged for 40 home runs during his time in Baltimore, and he hasn’t had much success against left-handed or right-handed hitters at the Major League level.
The Brewers were so deep in rotation options that Zimmermann was something of an afterthought for the team, even though he put up decent numbers as a starter and reliever at Triple-A Nashville. St. Louis may not necessarily offer Zimmermann more opportunities for MLB playing time as the rebuilding Cardinals prioritize their younger arms, but he could fill a similar role as a Triple-A depth option, with chances at a spot if any of the youngsters struggle or injuries occur.
Zimmermann is out of minor league options, so if he is selected to the Cards’ 26-man roster, they would have to expose him to waivers before cutting him from the 40-man and sending him back to Triple-A. Because Zimmermann was previously outright excluded, he would also have the right to choose free agency rather than accept another outright assignment. Depending on whether the Cardinals bring him to the Show at all, Zimmermann could be in for a busy year on the transaction front.
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