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Joshua Alexander Zeid (/zaɪd/ ZYDE; Hebrew: ג'וש זייד; born March 24, 1987) is an American-Israeli former professional baseball pitcher and current coach. He plays for Team Israel. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros.

Key Information

Zeid played for the gold-medal-winning Team USA Youth National Team in 2003. In his senior year in high school he was named Gatorade Connecticut High School Player of the Year, and Baseball America ranked him the nation's 27th-best prospect. He was drafted in the 10th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft, and in 2010 he was named a South Atlantic League midseason All-Star, and won the MiLB Best Reliever (Single-A) Award. He debuted in the major leagues with the Houston Astros in 2013.

He pitched for Team Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, and was named to the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic team. His fastball reached 97 mph.

After retiring from major league baseball, Zeid joined the Chicago Cubs front office as a pitching analyst. In November 2019, he obtained Israeli citizenship so that he could play for Team Israel in baseball at the 2020 Summer Olympics. He pitched for Team Israel at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo in the summer of 2021.

Personal

[edit]

Zeid was born to Ira (a dentist) and Karen Zeid (who works at a senior center) in New Haven, Connecticut, grew up in Woodbridge, Connecticut, and is Jewish.[1][2][3][4][5] As a child he had a bar mitzvah, went to Hebrew school three days a week, and attended Congregation B'nai Jacob.[1][6] He always wears a Star of David around his neck and a chai, and as to being Jewish, he said: “If you become a successful athlete, you should let people know where you’re from.”[7][2]

In January 2013 he married the former Stephanie Tiedemann, a doctor of neuropsychology at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, and a former Vanderbilt (2007) and Florida Institute of Technology (Masters/Doctor of Psychology) student.[8][9][10] They have two sons, Parker and Barrett.[11][12]

High school and college

[edit]

Zeid was a pitcher for the Hornets at Hamden Hall Country Day School (2005), where he had 400 strikeouts, a school record.[7][10] In addition to pitching, he played first base, shortstop, and center field.[13] He played for the gold medal-winning Team USA Youth National Team in 2003, and was an AFLAC All American in 2004.[5]

In his junior and senior years he led his high school team to two straight New England Championships, and a record of 54–15.[13][7] In his junior year in 2004, he struck out 68 batters in 42 innings and had a 1.66 ERA, while batting .412.[14] In his senior year, he struck out 130 batters in 65.0 innings and batted .450, and was team captain.[13][5][7] That year, he was the Gatorade Connecticut High School Player of the Year, Baseball America ranked him the country's 27th-best prospect, and he was a Louisville Slugger, National High School Baseball Coaches Association, Collegiate Baseball, and Street & Smith All American.[13][5][7] He played for the Long Island Titans in the summer of his senior year. They finished 43–5.[5] He earned two varsity letters in basketball.[5]

He played college baseball, pitching for the Vanderbilt Commodores baseball team for two years, and then for Tulane University, where he pitched for the Green Wave baseball team and was an English major.[7][15] He also pitched for the Torrington Twisters of the New England Collegiate Baseball League in 2006, and for the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Collegiate Baseball League in 2007.[13][5][16] In the 2016-17 off-season, he took a class at Tulane, as he had just a few credits left in order to obtain his degree.[17] He graduated in January 2019.[18]

Playing career

[edit]

Philadelphia Phillies

[edit]

He was drafted out of Tulane by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 10th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft as a starter.[7] Zeid received a $10,000 signing bonus.[19][20] He pitched as a starter for the Single–A Williamsport Crosscutters, and had an 8–5 record with a 2.94 ERA, holding batters to a .217 average.[15]

In 2010, he pitched for the Lakewood BlueClaws and split his season between starting and relieving, finishing the season 8–4 with 8 saves, a 2.93 ERA, 111 strikeouts in 107.3 innings, and 27 walks. He was named a South Atlantic League midseason All-Star, won the MiLB Best Reliever (Single–A) award, and Baseball America named him the # 23 prospect in the Phillies organization and said he had the best slider of any pitcher in their minor league system.[15][21][22][23] In the off-season he played for the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League where he was named an AFL Rising Star, blogging about his experience for MLB.com.[15][21]

He played for Double-A Reading in 2011, starting the season in its starting rotation before moving to the bullpen.

Houston Astros

[edit]
Josh Zeid in 2014

Zeid was traded on July 29, 2011, along with Jonathan Singleton, Jarred Cosart, and Domingo Santana to the Houston Astros for All Star right fielder Hunter Pence.[7][15][24][25]

After the season, Zeid pitched for the Salt River Rafters in the Arizona Fall League, where he was named an AFL Rising Star.[15]

Going into 2012, he was ranked No. 19 in the Astros system by baseball writer Jonathan Mayo, for his "plus fastball" and "nasty slider."[26] In 2012, Zeid pitched as a reliever for an entire season for the first time, pitching in 47 games for the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks, and striking out 66 batters in 56.1 innings.[15]

In March 2013, Zeid was looking to add a third pitch to his fastball and slider.[4] In 2013, he threw a 95–97 mph fastball, and a hard slider.[9] Only the top 15 percent of major league pitchers throw a 95 mph fastball.[2]

He pitched as the closer for the Triple–A Oklahoma City RedHawks in 2013, with a 4–1 record, 13 saves in 15 save opportunities (tied for the club lead), and 3.50 ERA over 43 games, as Zeid struck out 53 batters in 43.2 innings.[9][27][28]

Zeid was called up to the majors for the first time on July 29, 2013.[29][30] In 25 relief appearances he stranded 15 of 17 inherited runners, and held lefties to a .178 batting average.[28] He ended 2013 with a 0–1 record and a 3.90 ERA in 27+2⁄3 innings pitched.

He made 23 appearances in 2014, recording a 6.97 ERA before suffering from sesamoiditis and being shut down in July for foot surgery known as sesamoidectomy. Zeid underwent the procedure to both feet, with the second foot surgery, to his left foot, taking place in October 2014.[31][32][33][34] He was expected to recover three months following his surgery.[33]

Pitching for Houston, according to Fangraphs, Zeid threw about 60% fastballs with an average velocity of 94.3 mph, in addition to sliders and an occasional changeup.[35]

In 2014, he again pitched for Oklahoma City, going 2–2 with 7 saves and a 2.45 ERA in 17 relief appearances, as in 18.1 innings Zeid gave up 2 walks and had 21 strikeouts.[36]

Detroit Tigers

[edit]

Zeid was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers on November 20, 2014.[37] Zeid had pitched for Tiger manager Brad Ausmus on Team Israel in the 2013 World Baseball Classic qualifiers.[38] On March 24, 2015, he was optioned to the Toledo Mud Hens of the Triple–A International League, and pitching for the Mud Hens he went 4–3 with 2 saves and a 4.46 ERA in 42 games, 4 of which were starts.[39][36]

New Britain Bees

[edit]

On April 7, 2016, Zeid signed with the New Britain Bees of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[40] In eight appearances (seven starts) for the Bees, he posted a 2-3 record and 5.06 ERA with 43 strikeouts across 37+1⁄3 innings pitched.

New York Mets

[edit]

On June 10, 2016, Zeid signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. He made his debut for their Double–A affiliate, the Binghamton Mets. Zeid pitched 6+2⁄3 innings while striking out six batters. He spent the remainder of the season pitching for Binghamton and the Triple–A Las Vegas 51s, going an aggregate 7–6 with a 4.61 ERA.[17] Zeid elected free agency following the season on November 7.[41]

St. Louis Cardinals

[edit]

Zeid signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals on March 21, 2017.[42] He pitched for the Memphis Redbirds of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League, going 9-4 (his 9 wins tied for 6th-most in the league) and striking out 95 batters in 102 innings as he pitched in 33 games, starting 12 of them.[43][36][44] He elected free agency on November 6.[45]

Coaching career

[edit]

Zeid announced his retirement from professional baseball on April 5, 2018, at 31 years of age, saying "You have to throw in the mid-to-high-90s, consistently, or there’s someone 10 years younger than you who will."[46]

In January 2019 through January 2023, Zeid was a rehab pitching coordinator and player development pitching analyst for the Chicago Cubs.[47][48] He also ran the Pitch Lab in Arizona for the team.[48][49]

Zeid joined the Texas Rangers organization as the pitching coach of the Frisco RoughRiders of the Double-A Texas League prior to the 2023 season.[50]

As of July 2023, Zeid was entering his first season (2023–24) as the Pitching Coach and Pitching Analyst at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas.[51]

International career; Team Israel

[edit]

Zeid played for the Israeli national baseball team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic qualifier in September 2012, under manager Brad Ausmus.[52][53][54] He pitched in all 3 games, earning a save in Israel's victory over Spain.[55] His mother said: "As we watched the games ... we loved ... the nachas and kvelling that goes deep into our hearts."[55] During the opening game, against South Africa, Zeid pitched 1.2 innings, giving up a walk on three strike outs, and was credited with a hold.[56] During the second game, against Spain, Zeid gave up a hit and an earned run while recording a save.[57] During the third and final game, the qualifying game, once again against Spain, he gave up a hit and two earned runs, while walking one and striking out two, in a game that Zeid was credited with the loss.[58]

Zeid pitched for Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic qualifier, and had a 1.35 ERA in 6+2⁄3 innings.[59][6] In the first game of the series Zeid threw 48 pitches over 3.2 innings, giving up 2 hits and an earned run while striking out 2.[60] Under World Baseball Classic rules any pitcher who throws over 50 pitches cannot pitch again for four days, therefore by pulling Zeid before reaching this limit, it enabled Israel to utilize Zeid again in the tournament. During the third and final game of the tournament, Zeid was the winning pitcher, after throwing 37 pitches over 3 innings of no hit ball, while giving up a walk and recording 3 strikeouts.[61]

Zeid again pitched for Israel, at the 2017 World Baseball Classic main tournament, in March 2017.[62] In the first game of round one, he was the winning pitcher as # 41-ranked Israel defeated # 3-ranked South Korea, with Zeid striking out four batters in three innings.[63] Zeid said the win was the pinnacle of his career: "This has to be it. This has to be the top, top win as a team, I think in my career. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of a couple of championships in the lower levels in the minor leagues and in high school, but nothing compares to this stage."[64] Overall, he was 1–0 with 2 saves and pitched 10 shutout innings giving up 5 hits, including 4 scoreless innings as a starting pitcher against world # 1 Team Japan, as his fastball hit 96 mph.[65][66][20]

Following the conclusion of the tournament, pitcher Josh Zeid was named to the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic team.[67] In November 2019, he obtained Israeli citizenship so that he could play for Team Israel in baseball at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.[68]

His fastball in 2021 was approximately 92 mph.[69]

He pitched for Team Israel at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo in the summer of 2021.[70] He was 0–0 with an ERA of 3.12, as in three games (starts against Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and a relief appearance against South Korea) he pitched 8.2 innings and held batters to a .214 batting average.[70]

Zeid pitched for Team Israel in the 2023 European Baseball Championship in September 2023 in the Czech Republic.[71]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Josh Zeid

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Joshua Alexander Zeid is an American-Israeli former professional baseball pitcher and current coach, best known for his time in (MLB) with the Houston Astros and his representation of Team in international tournaments, including the and the . Born on March 24, 1987, in , Zeid stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and threw and batted right-handed throughout his career. He obtained Israeli citizenship in November 2019 to qualify for Team . Zeid attended , where he played and graduated with a degree in English and in 2018. That year, he was selected by the Phillies in the 10th round (317th overall) of the MLB Draft. His minor league career spanned over a decade across multiple organizations, including the Phillies, Astros (after a 2011 trade), Detroit Tigers, , , and St. Louis Cardinals systems; notable highlights included an selection in 2010 and championships with the Lakewood BlueClaws (2010) and (2017). Zeid appeared in 389 minor league games, compiling a 4.15 with 468 strikeouts in 452.1 . In MLB, Zeid debuted with the Astros on July 30, 2013, and appeared in 48 relief games over two seasons (2013–2014), posting a 0–1 record, 5.21 , 42 strikeouts, and one save against the Seattle Mariners. His reached up to 97 mph, primarily featuring a fastball-slider combination. After being in 2014, he continued in the minors until retiring from professional play following the 2017 season. Zeid's international career with Team Israel was particularly distinguished; he pitched in the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classics, earning a spot on the 2017 All-Tournament Team after helping Israel reach the second round. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), he contributed to Israel's fifth-place finish, appearing in exhibition games and the tournament. He also served as pitching coach for Team Israel at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Transitioning to coaching after retirement, Zeid worked as a pitching analyst and rehab pitching coordinator for the Chicago Cubs from 2017 to 2022, followed by stints as pitching coach for the Texas Rangers' Double-A (2023) and (2023–2025), where he currently serves as assistant coach and academic success coordinator. As of 2025, he holds positions as Director of Pitching for Baseball Americas and for the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series, focusing on player development and analytics.

Early life and education

Family and background

Joshua Alexander Zeid was born on March 24, 1987, in , to parents Ira and Karen Zeid. His father, Ira, is a dentist, while his mother, Karen, works at a senior center. Zeid has one sister, . The family resided in , where Zeid spent his early years. Zeid grew up in a Jewish family, attending and having a bar mitzvah as part of his cultural and religious upbringing. This Jewish heritage played a significant role in his identity, influencing his later involvement with Team Israel in international competitions. Zeid's initial exposure to came through family encouragement, including frequent catch sessions with his father Ira in front of their home, fostering his early dedication to the sport. This familial support helped spark his interest during his youth in .

High school career

Josh Zeid attended in , where he emerged as a standout on the varsity team, earning five varsity letters during his high school career. As a multi-year starter, Zeid developed into one of the top prospects in the nation, showcasing a powerful that reached velocities up to 93 mph by his senior year. He contributed significantly to the team's success, helping the Hornets secure two consecutive Preparatory School Athletic Council championships in 2003 and 2004. Over his high school tenure, Zeid compiled an impressive 54-15 pitching record, with particularly dominant performances in his final two seasons. In the 2004 championship game, he delivered a one-hitter with 17 , underscoring his strikeout prowess that culminated in a school-record 400 career . These achievements highlighted his command and endurance on the mound, often pitching complete games while limiting opponents to low batting averages. Zeid's senior season in 2005 was particularly acclaimed, earning him the Connecticut Player of the Year award, as well as recognition as a Louisville Slugger and National High School All-American. Baseball America ranked him as the 27th-best high school prospect in the country that year. His drew interest from multiple Division I programs, leading him to commit to , where he continued his development as a .

College career

Zeid began his career at , where he played as a for the during his freshman and sophomore seasons from 2006 to 2007. In 2006, he made 13 appearances, including one start, and posted a 5.24 over 22.1 , striking out 22 batters while issuing just six walks. His performance in games was slightly higher at 5.82 across four outings. Limited by injuries and depth in the pitching staff, Zeid appeared in only five relief outings in 2007, recording an 18.69 in 4.1 innings with three strikeouts and three walks. After two seasons at Vanderbilt, Zeid transferred to for his junior and senior years, seeking a larger role in the Green Wave's rotation. In 2008, he appeared in 13 games exclusively out of the , going 0-1 with a 5.62 in 16 , where he struck out 12 and walked seven, holding opponents to a .163 and allowing no hits in five appearances. Demonstrating inconsistency early in his time at Tulane, Zeid struggled with command at times but showed flashes of control. By his senior season in 2009, he transitioned to a starting role, making 14 starts and compiling a 6-0 record with a 4.01 over 76.1 , including 45 strikeouts and 28 walks, marking a significant improvement in endurance and effectiveness. Scouts evaluated Zeid as a right-handed with a projectable 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and strong arm strength, featuring a that sat in the low 90s mph and occasionally touched 95 mph. His and were considered below average, with needs for improved movement and overall command, positioning him as a potential reliever rather than a starter in professional baseball. These attributes, combined with his senior-year performance, led to his selection by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 10th round (317th overall) of the 2009 MLB Draft, where he signed for $10,000 as a senior sign.

Professional playing career

Philadelphia Phillies organization

Following the , where he was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 10th round (317th overall) out of , Josh Zeid signed a professional contract on June 16, receiving a $10,000 signing bonus. He was immediately assigned to the Rookie-level affiliate but made his professional debut later that summer with the Short-Season A Williamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Penn League, bypassing the Gulf Coast League. In 15 starts across 79.2 innings, Zeid posted an 8-5 record with a 2.94 , striking out 72 batters while walking 20, tying for second in the league in wins and demonstrating solid command as a starter in his first professional action. Zeid advanced to full-season ball in 2010 with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws of the , transitioning to a hybrid starter-reliever role that suited his development. Appearing in 43 games (12 starts), he went 8-4 with 8 saves and a 2.93 over 107.1 innings, fanning 111 against 27 walks for a strong 1.14 , which highlighted his breakout potential and earned him a midseason All-Star selection. Later that fall, Zeid gained further exposure in the with the Mesa Solar Sox, where he made 4 starts and recorded a 3-0 mark with a 3.86 in 14 innings, striking out 12 and earning honors as part of a Phillies contingent that helped Mesa reach the championship game. The BlueClaws won the championship that season, with Zeid pitching scoreless relief in the finals. In 2011, Zeid was promoted to Double-A with the Reading Phillies of the Eastern League, but he struggled in the higher competition, primarily as a starter before shifting to relief. Over 21 appearances (11 starts) and 63.2 innings before the break, he compiled a 2-3 record with a 5.65 and 1.41 , allowing 70 hits while 56 and walking 25, reflecting inconsistency against more advanced hitters. His performance did not improve sufficiently, leading the Phillies to include him in a blockbuster trade deadline deal on July 29, 2011, sending him to the Houston Astros along with prospects and (with as a ) in exchange for .

Houston Astros

Zeid was acquired by the Houston Astros from the Phillies organization on July 29, 2011, as part of a multi-player trade that sent to Philadelphia in exchange for Zeid, pitcher , first baseman , and . Following the trade, he was assigned to the Astros' Double-A affiliate, the , where he continued his development as a reliever through the end of the 2011 season and into 2012. Promoted to Triple-A with the RedHawks for the 2013 season, Zeid emerged as a reliable arm, posting a 4–1 record with a across 43 appearances. In 43.2 , he recorded 53 strikeouts and 13 saves, tying for the team lead in save opportunities while demonstrating improved command despite issuing 27 walks. Zeid's strong minor league performance led to his first major league call-up, and he made his MLB debut on July 30, 2013, entering in against the Baltimore Orioles and tossing 0.2 scoreless innings. Over the remainder of the 2013 season, he made 25 appearances for , compiling a 0–1 record with a , 24 strikeouts, and six holds in 27.2 . Zeid returned to the Astros' Opening Day roster in 2014 but was optioned back to on April 11 after three major league outings. He rejoined the big-league club later that summer for additional relief work but was ultimately during the offseason on December 1, 2014.

Detroit Tigers

On November 20, 2014, the Tigers claimed right-handed relief pitcher Josh Zeid off waivers from the Houston Astros, adding him to their 40-man roster to bolster depth. Zeid did not appear in any games for the Tigers that year, as the move occurred after the conclusion of the 2014 regular season. Entering the 2015 spring training, Zeid competed for a spot in the Tigers' bullpen but was optioned to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens on March 24, following a non-roster invitee stint where he allowed six earned runs in 7 2/3 innings. He remained with Toledo for the entire 2015 International League season, serving primarily as a reliever in a crowded farm system that limited opportunities for promotion amid the Tigers' established major league relief corps. In 42 appearances, including four starts, Zeid recorded a 4-3 mark with two saves and a 4.46 over 70 2/3 innings, yielding 68 hits, four home runs, 39 walks, and 59 strikeouts—figures that reflected control issues but occasional effectiveness against upper-minor-league hitters. His role was confined to Triple-A development, with no major league recall during the year due to the Tigers' stability featuring pitchers like and Alex Wilson. On September 2, 2015, the Tigers outrighted Zeid to Toledo, removing him from the 40-man roster after his performance failed to warrant retention. He elected free agency on November 6, 2015, concluding his brief affiliation with the organization.

Later professional stints

Following his outright assignment to the Triple-A by the Detroit Tigers in September 2015, Zeid continued in the Tigers' organization that year, recording a 4–3 mark with a 4.46 over 70.2 in 42 appearances. After electing free agency in November 2015, he signed a contract with the in February 2016 and was assigned to their Triple-A , but was released on March 30 without making an appearance. Zeid then joined the independent New Britain Bees of the Atlantic League on April 7, 2016, where he made eight starts and posted a 2–3 record with a 5.06 ERA, striking out 43 batters in 37.1 innings. On June 8, he signed a minor league deal with the and debuted with their Double-A , going 4–4 with a 3.98 ERA in 54.1 innings across nine games (eight starts). Zeid shuttled between Binghamton and the Mets' Triple-A 51s later that summer, adding a 3–2 record and 5.54 ERA in 37.1 innings over seven starts at the higher level. In March 2017, Zeid inked another contract with the Cardinals and spent the season with their Triple-A , achieving a team-high 9–4 record with a 5.19 in 102.1 innings across 33 outings (12 starts). The Redbirds won the championship that season. He appeared briefly in the Mexican Pacific Winter League that offseason with the Charros, but struggled with an 11.25 in four innings over six games. Unable to land a major league opportunity after electing free agency in November 2017, Zeid announced his retirement from on April 5, 2018. Across his career from 2009 to 2017, he appeared in 389 games, compiling a 53–42 record with a 4.15 , 468 strikeouts, and 199 walks in 452.1 .

International playing career

World Baseball Classic appearances

Zeid made his international debut for Team during the qualifiers held in September 2012 in , where he appeared in three relief outings across the tournament. In those games, he recorded a 0-1 record with one save and a 5.79 over 4.2 , allowing three earned runs while contributing to 's early successes, including scoreless relief frames in a 7-3 win over . Despite his efforts, finished 1-2 in Pool A after losses to and , failing to advance to the main tournament. In the decisive 9-7 defeat to , Zeid took the loss after surrendering two runs over two innings. Zeid returned for Team Israel's successful 2017 World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament in September 2016 at MCU Park in , New York, playing a pivotal role in securing qualification. In the final game against , he earned the win by pitching three scoreless innings in relief of starter , striking out three batters and helping preserve a combined through six innings en route to a 9-1 victory that clinched Israel's first-ever berth in the WBC main draw. This performance capped a perfect 3-0 run for Israel in the qualifiers, including shutout relief against and . Prior to the 2017 tournament, Zeid joined several teammates on a preparatory trip to in late , organized by the Israel Association of Baseball to foster team unity and cultural connection among players of Jewish heritage. The visit, which included eight players like Zeid, emphasized national pride and helped build cohesion ahead of the event in , . In the 2017 World Baseball Classic main tournament, Zeid served as a key reliever for Pool A, posting a perfect 1-0 record with two saves, a 0.00 ERA, and 10 strikeouts over 10 scoreless innings across four appearances. His standout outings included four perfect innings against Cuba in a 4-1 upset win on March 11, navigating a bases-loaded jam late in the game to secure the victory, and additional scoreless frames against South Korea and the Netherlands. Israel's 4-2 overall record included advancing to the second round, where they defeated Cuba 4-1 but were eliminated after losses to Japan (3-8) and the Netherlands (2-12), marked a historic run, and Zeid's dominant relief work earned him a spot on the All-World Baseball Classic Team as the top reliever.

2020 Summer Olympics

Team qualified for the tournament at the —delayed to 2021 due to the —by winning the 2019 European Baseball Championship in , , which earned them a spot in the /Africa Olympic Qualifying Tournament. In the subsequent qualifier held in , , from September 18–22, 2019, Zeid joined the active roster and pitched in key games, leading the tournament in while earning All-Tournament Team honors as Israel finished 4–1, securing qualification with an 11–1 mercy-rule victory over in the final game. His prior experience with the national team from the World Baseball Classics helped build chemistry among the roster of Jewish players from around the world. At the Tokyo Olympics, held from July 28 to August 7, 2021, in Yokohama, Zeid made three relief and starting appearances for Israel in their debut as a baseball nation. In the opening game against South Korea on July 29, he entered in relief for 2⅓ scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two to stabilize the game after an early deficit, though Israel fell 6–5 in 10 innings. On August 1 against Mexico, Zeid started and pitched 2 innings, retiring the side in order through two frames before yielding two runs in the third on back-to-back doubles and wild pitches; Israel rallied for a 12–5 victory—its first Olympic baseball win—advancing to the quarterfinals and eliminating Mexico. In the quarterfinal against the Dominican Republic on August 3, pitching on short rest, Zeid delivered a strong start with 4 innings of work, scattering four hits and three walks while allowing no earned runs, but Israel lost 7–6 in the ninth on a late rally, finishing fifth overall after a 2–3 pool record. Across his outings, Zeid logged 8⅓ innings with a 2.12 ERA, two runs allowed (one earned), and key contributions that kept Israel competitive in medal contention. Zeid, who obtained in November 2019 specifically to compete, described the Olympics as a profound honor tied to his Jewish heritage, noting it deepened his connection to beyond his Conservative upbringing and prior Maccabi Games involvement. "It's not something I dreamed of as a kid because wasn't always Olympic, but representing fills me with passion and shock at the opportunity," he reflected in a pre-Games . Following the tournament, Zeid decided the Olympics marked the end of his 15-year professional playing career, viewing it as a capstone international achievement; while packing to return home, he focused on family by registering his children as Israeli citizens and soon transitioned into roles, including as a pitching analyst for the Cubs and later director of pitching for Baseball Americas.

Coaching and post-playing career

Early coaching roles

Following his retirement from professional baseball in April 2018, Zeid launched Zeid Pitching and Performance, a training program in the Houston area focused on providing pitching lessons, programming, camps, clinics, and overall player development to young athletes. In this venture, Zeid personally managed scheduling and tailored development plans, drawing on his background as a major league pitcher to emphasize individualized mechanics and performance enhancement. In February 2019, Zeid joined the Chicago Cubs organization as a pitching analyst in player development, later expanding his role to include rehab pitching coordinator. Over the next four seasons through 2022, he worked at the Cubs' facility, specializing in injury recovery programs for pitchers by integrating advanced technology such as Rapsodo units, high-speed Edgertronic cameras, and KinaTrax systems. His efforts in the Cubs' Pitch Lab centered on data analytics to refine pitching , helping players optimize velocity, spin rates, and delivery efficiency during rehabilitation. In December 2022, Zeid transitioned to the Texas Rangers organization as the pitching coach for their Double-A affiliate, the , ahead of the 2023 season. Continuing his focus on analytics-driven instruction, he applied biomechanical analysis and performance data to guide pitchers' development at the higher level. Zeid's early was shaped by his own professional playing experience, particularly in adapting to demands and .

College and minor league coaching

Zeid joined , an NJCAA Division I program in , , for the 2023–24 season as Pitching Coach and Pitching Analyst, roles he continued into the 2024–25 season, serving until July 2025. In addition to these positions, he served as Assistant Coach and Academic Success Coordinator, emphasizing the integration of pitching with player development and academic mentoring to support student-athletes' holistic growth. During his tenure, the Ravens achieved notable success, compiling a 40–21 overall record and a 27–8 conference mark in the 2023–24 season, securing the Region XIV South Conference title, the regional championship, and the super-regional before finishing fourth at the NJCAA Division I . Zeid's contributions extended to player advancement, with eleven Ravens earning all-conference or all-Region XIV honors in 2024, including recognition for pitching staff members who benefited from his analytics-driven approach. The program's momentum carried into 2024–25, where the team entered the season ranked No. 23 nationally and advanced to the Region XIV Super Regional in May 2025, demonstrating sustained impact on pitching development and team competitiveness.

National team involvement

Zeid served as the pitching coach for Team at the , where he helped guide the team through qualification and a competitive tournament run that saw them advance to the quarterfinals with a 4-2 pool play record. His contributions focused on pitcher preparation and strategy, building on his prior playing experience with the national team in events like the 2017 WBC and 2020 Olympics. In May 2024, Zeid was named Director of Pitching for Baseball Americas, a U.S.-based organization dedicated to advancing Israeli baseball through professional development initiatives. In this role, he oversees pitching programs that include talent identification, training regimens, and support for national team pipelines, emphasizing long-term growth for Israeli players. Zeid expanded his international youth development efforts in 2025 by joining the Future Stars Series as pitching development lead, where he mentors promising young athletes from around the world in showcase events designed to highlight emerging talent. This position aligns with his ongoing commitment to , maintaining his status as a 2020 Olympian while fostering global baseball opportunities for the next generation.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/player/josh-zeid-473646
  2. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/from-mlb-to-the-olympics-in-blue-and-white-673956
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zeidjo01.shtml
  4. https://sanjacsports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/josh-zeid/26
  5. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=zeid--001jos
  6. https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/israel-baseball-history
  7. https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/a-new-era-of-israel-baseball
  8. https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-rangers-josh-zeid-frisco-roughriders-pitching-coach-hire-mike-maddux
  9. https://www.israelbaseball.org/us/en/about/
  10. https://futurestarsseries.com/future-stars-series-adds-jason-stein-josh-zeid-to-lead-hitting-and-pitching-development/
  11. https://tulanegreenwave.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-zeid/292
  12. https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/sports/articles/josh-zeid-jewish-rookie
  13. https://www.jpost.com/premium/meet-israels-baseball-team-heading-to-2020-olympics-613646
  14. https://baseball.org.il/en/news/josh-zeid-a-look-back-at-the-team-israel-experience/
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/874943/2019/03/25/the-baseball-odyssey-of-josh-zeid-who-struck-out-david-ortiz-and-me/
  16. https://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=18146
  17. https://jewishbaseballmuseum.com/player/josh-zeid/
  18. https://newbritainprogressive.com/2016/06/07/new-britain-bees-player-signed-mets/
  19. https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Hamden-Hall-rides-Zeid-to-prep-school-crown-11657392.php
  20. https://vucommodores.com/roster/josh-zeid/
  21. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/124503/
  22. https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/5365-josh-zeid/
  23. https://www.milb.com/player/josh-zeid-473646
  24. https://www.philliesnation.com/2010/11/phillies-arizona-fall-league-wrap-up/
  25. https://philliesnation.com/2010/09/lakewood-blue-claws-win-league-championship/
  26. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=pencehu01
  27. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Josh_Zeid
  28. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=zeidjo01&t=p&year=2013
  29. https://www.mlb.com/astros/roster/transactions/2014/04
  30. https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-claim-pitcher-josh-zeid-from-astros-designate-outfielder-ezequiel-carrera/c-102021326
  31. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=036f0e7d
  32. https://www.fangraphs.com/players/josh-zeid/6527/stats?position=P
  33. https://www.nhregister.com/sports/article/New-Haven-s-Josh-Zeid-retires-from-playing-12810735.php
  34. https://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/20/3362480/world-baseball-classic-israel-tops-south-africa-qualifier
  35. https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2012/9/23/3380824/spain-claims-spot-in-2013-world-baseball-classic-with-a-9-7-win-in
  36. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/mets-prospect-josh-zeid-leads-israel-into-world-baseball-classic
  37. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/sports/2016-09-29/ty-article/israel-sweeps-qualifier-to-advance-to-group-stage/0000017f-e24d-d38f-a57f-e65f842b0000
  38. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-clinches-first-ever-spot-in-world-baseball-classic/
  39. https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-mlb-players-part-of-world-baseball-classic-team-israel-to-visit-country/
  40. https://www.minorleagueball.com/2017/2/24/14727306/team-israel-prepares-for-world-baseball-classic
  41. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/2017_World_Baseball_Classic
  42. https://www.mlb.com/news/israel-s-josh-zeid-fires-4-scoreless-innings-c219425428
  43. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2698878-2017-world-baseball-classics-biggest-breakout-performers
  44. https://www.jewishbaseballmuseum.com/player/josh-zeid/
  45. https://breakingmatzo.com/philosophy/israel-and-baseball-an-olympic-at-bat-for-the-history-books/
  46. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Israel_national_baseball_team
  47. https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/tokyo-olympics-israeli-baseball-national-team-loses-opening-game-675272
  48. https://www.mlb.com/news/israel-defeats-mexico-at-tokyo-olympics
  49. https://www.jpost.com/international/dominican-republic-snaps-israel-dream-in-strange-7-6-victory-675740
  50. https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/31934163/israel-eliminates-mexico-tokyo-games-first-olympic-baseball-win
  51. https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/federation-focus-baseball-underdogs-israel-played-in-olympics-for-first-time-ever
  52. https://magazine.esra.org.il/posts/entry/israel-s-olympic-baseball-team.html
  53. https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-zeid-oly-177937aa
  54. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/852141/2019/03/06/whats-cooking-in-the-cubs-pitch-lab-come-with-me-and-youll-see/
  55. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1204719/2019/09/12/more-changes-coming-after-the-cubs-move-jason-mcleod-into-a-new-vp-role/
  56. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2022/12/21/former-major-leaguer-josh-zeid-joins-rangers-organization-as-frisco-pitching-coach/
  57. https://sanjacsports.com/sports/baseball/roster/2025
  58. https://sanjacsports.com/sports/baseball/schedule/2024
  59. https://njcaa.org/sports/bsb/2023-24/div1/teams/sanjacintocollegenorth
  60. https://www.sanjac.edu/about/news/2024/baseball-players-named-to-conference-region-teams.php
  61. https://buccaneersports.com/news/2025/5/13/baseball-no-5-blinn-and-no-23-san-jacinto-north-to-face-off-in-region-xiv-super-regional.aspx
  62. https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/roster/israel?season=2023
  63. https://www.israelbaseball.org/us/en/news/israel-baseball-americas-launched/
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