Shushkewich: Zibin recovering from Tommy John surgery
Former Langley Blaze RHP Jacob Zibin (Langley, BC), right, talks shop with Terriers LHP Jordan Woods (Oakville, Ont.) at the 2022 Junior National Team camp in Ajax. Photo: Christian Bender/Baseball Canada.
July 18, 2023
By Tyson Shushkewich
Canadian Baseball Network
Heading into the 2022 draft, Jacob Zibin was considered the top-ranked Canadian prospect via the Canadian Baseball Network.
The right-hander had reclassified from the 2023 class so he could be eligible in 2022, becoming the youngest player eligible for the draft.
Zibin (Langley B.C.) was to be the ninth Canuck selected in the draft last season, going to the Cleveland Guardians signing a 10th round record-setting bonus worth $1.2 million, choosing pro ball over his commitment to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
Fast forward to this season, with his first pro season on the horizon, Zibin was ramping up to get into his first game of affiliated ball when he felt pain in his elbow early on and notified the Guardians training staff right away.
The ultimate result was unfortunate. Zibin headed to the operating room to undergo Tommy John surgery on May 17.
“I threw a couple of bullpen sessions heading into the season but it kept nagging me and eventually after undergoing tests and working with the Guardians medical staff, we decided that this was the best route to take in regards to the longevity of my career.”
While this may seem like a major setback for any ball player after being drafted, Zibin is more determined than ever to get back healthy and on the diamond as soon as he can.
“I know that this is a bit of a setback but I am still young and I fully believe that I can come back from this stronger than ever and be able to perform at a high level and continue to get better each and every day.”
While he was not drafted first, he shared the highest Canuck bonus in 2022 with RHP Adam Maier (North Vancouver, B.C.) who went in the seventh for another round record of $1.2 million
“Heading into the draft, there was a plan set in place depending on the different scenarios that could happen and whether I would get drafted,” Zibin told the Canadian Baseball Network. “As the spring/summer went on, I was able to talk to more and more scouts and pitch against lots of talented players prior to the draft. I think I put on a pretty good showing.
“At the end of the day, I had a number in mind and I also wanted to go to an organization that I think could really develop my skill set and everything worked out well with Cleveland drafting me. I am super happy they took a chance on me and I love being part of the Guardians organization.”
To get to this point where his bonus was tied for top spot, Zibin played in numerous organizations, mainly with the Langley Blaze in the BC Premier League and on the Junior National Team before a stint with TNXL Academy in Ocoee, Fla. prior to the draft.
The Toronto, Ont. born pitcher also played for the North York Blues and the Mississauga North Tigers growing up before his family relocated to the West Coast.
“I started with the Blaze in the seventh grade and played all the way until the 10th grade,” Zibin said. “In 2020 with COVID, I didn’t get to pitch much given what was going on in the world. On the senior Blaze, I had some arm issues that limited me on the mound and I played more in the field and continued hitting as well.
“Nearing the end of the summer, I was invited to the Junior camp in Ajax and after that camp, I made that team and played in the Friendship Series against the United States although I did not pitch, I was hitting and playing in the outfield, third base and first.”
While Zibin didn’t get to pitch with the Juniors during the Friendship Series, he would be surrounded by some talented Canadians, including 2023 college draft Connor O’Halloran (Mississauga, Ont.), plus 2021 high school drafts Mitch Bratt (Newmarket, Ont.) and Calvin Ziegler (Heidelberg, Ont.).
That offseason, Zibin went into the winter with a mind set of becoming a full-time pitcher, dedicating himself to being able to handle the grind that comes with starting games on a regular basis. That work resulted in the prospect hitting the low 90s mph range with his fastball (with the ability to hit the mid 90s with sink), a plus changeup to go along with a slider that generates swings and misses, as he utilizes his 6- foot-4 frame to add deception to his delivery.
“I really put a lot of work into making sure that my body was prepared to throw properly from a strength and mobility aspect, working in the gym and in my nutrition to get more velocity,” Zibin said. “Getting a structured program both in the gym and with my throwing helped prepare me for better results on the mound.”
At the time of the draft, Zibin spent some time in Langley before the Guardians brought newly drafted players to Arizona to undergo medical testing and off-field instruction before ramping up into activities to finish out the year.
“I started getting into game action in instructional league and then the offseason rolled around,” Zibin said. “Cleveland holds a ton of camps for players during the winter. I was able to train there and participate in numerous camps that helped me put on weight in the gym and learn different things about my mechanics and my pitches before returning home for the holidays.”
Looking ahead, the timeline of his pro debut will have to wait until 2024. Yet, the outlook remains bright for the Guardians’ 20th-ranked prospect.