Tommy Romero, a right-handed pitcher, has signed a minor league deal with the Cubs
Romero, 27, was originally drafted by the Mariners in the 15th round in 2017 and was traded to the Rays in 2018 in the deal for Alex Colomé. He spent several years in Tampa Bay’s system before making his MLB debut in 2022, where he struggled with a 7.71 ERA over 4 2/3 innings.
The Rays soon designated him for assignment, and he was claimed by the Nationals, where his performance worsened—allowing eight runs (six earned) in just 3 2/3 innings. Although Washington kept him on their 40-man roster for the rest of that season, they chose not to tender him a contract in November.
However, Romero rejoined the Nationals on a minor league deal in early 2023 and served as a swingman at Triple-A. His results there were underwhelming, with a 5.44 ERA and a high 15.2% walk rate.
He later joined the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento, where he rebounded with a 3.14 ERA across 72 2/3 innings, along with a 22.1% strikeout rate and 12.4% walk rate.
Those numbers were notable given the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Overall, Romero has a solid minor league track record, with a career 3.08 ERA, and 2023 was the only year his ERA exceeded 3.24.
Romero started the 2025 season outside affiliated baseball, pitching in Mexico for the Guerreros de Oaxaca, where he gave up a 7.27 ERA in just two starts. Now back in affiliated ball with the Cubs, he could factor into their pitching depth. While it’s unrealistic to expect him to replace top starters like Justin Steele or Shota Imanaga, injuries to depth options like Javier Assad and Brandon Birdsell could open the door for him. Recent promotions of Cade Horton and Chris Flexen to the majors have also created gaps in Triple-A, potentially giving Romero a shot to step in.
If injuries continue, Romero might get a chance with the Cubs. Their current rotation includes Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, Ben Brown, Colin Rea, Horton, and Flexen—a mix of injury-prone veterans and young arms with limited innings. Though others like Jordan Wicks and Connor Noland are likely ahead of him in the pecking order, Romero could earn a call-up if the need arises.