Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Drew Pomeranz found a new landing spot when the Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners worked out a trade agreement Monday.
The Cubs acquired Pomeranz from the Mariners, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, in exchange for cash considerations. Chicago was in the market for a veteran relief arm to help bolster its bullpen depth, and the organization is taking a chance on Pomeranz, who hasn’t thrown from a big league mound since 2021 — Pomeranz underwent surgery to repair his torn flexor tendon after logging 27 appearances with the San Diego Padres that year.
Pomeranz entered his latest bid at a big league roster after Seattle signed the 36-year-old free agent to a minor league contract. The Mariners then assigned Pomeranz to their Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers. Pomeranz, an All-Star in 2016 and member of the 2018 World Series champion Red Sox, posted a 4.66 ERA with 14 strikeouts across 9 2/3 innings in Triple-A before Chicago’s front office reached out to Seattle.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell was Pomeranz’s skipper in 2019 during his lone season with the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago general manager Carter Hawkins watched Pomeranz develop in the minor leagues back when he was a member of the Cleveland Guardians front office, so the ties are strong for Pomeranz. It doesn’t guarantee Pomeranz a roster spot, but he’ll at least get a chance to leave an impression, and for an organization that needs a reliable reliever to deliver an impact.
Chicago’s bullpen has recorded a 5.19 ERA, the fourth-worst mark in the big leagues, while the club sits first in the National League Central at 14-10 this season. The Cubs have only converted six of 11 total save opportunities thus far, and the organization is serious about making a push toward the postseason.
Pomeranz has pitched 11 seasons in the big leagues, for the Red Sox, Padres, Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants, and has amassed a career 3.91 ERA with 48 wins and nine saves.
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