The Chicago Cubs are starting to feel thin in the pitching department. Justin Steele is out for the season after undergoing elbow surgery. Additionally, Javier Assad, Ryan Brasier, Eli Morgan, and Tyson Miller are all on the injured list.
Assad is currently making his way back from an oblique strain, whereas both Brasier and Miller have been rehabbing through groin/hip issues. Morgan has an elbow injury and there is currently no time table for his return.
With this uncertainty, the Cubs made a pair of moves on their off-day to bolster their pitching depth.
Chicago Cubs double down on pitching depth
On Monday, April 21 the Cubs traded for veteran southpaw Drew Pomeranz. He was acquired from the Seattle Mariners for cash. Ken Rosenthal reported that Pomeranz had an upward mobility clause in his contract, which meant that Chicago inquired about adding him to their big league roster and Seattle had to either counter by adding him to their 40-man roster or agree to trade him. They chose to give him up.
Following the Pomeranz trade, the Cubs made a second addition as they signed Peter Solomon to a minor league deal. He is reporting to Triple-A and will be a depth option in case needed.
Getting to know the Cubs newest addition Peter Solomon
Originally a fourth round draft pick by the Houston Astros in 2017, Solomon has had a roller coaster professional career. He initially climbed the latter to the big leagues, debuting in 2021 and last appearing in 2023 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He started the 2024 season in Indy Ball before signing a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.
At the MLB level, Solomon gave up just two earned runs over 14 innings pitched with the Astros in 2021, but unfortunately gave up 18 earned run across 13.1 innings two years later with the Diamondbacks. His minor league numbers are not impressive, evidenced by a 6.50 ERA last year in Triple-A over 72 innings and a 7.64 ERA in 2023 across the Double-A and Triple-A levels.
It’s possible that a change of scenery will help the former high draft pick get back on track, but for now Solomon will be a depth piece in the Cubs organization and only will be called upon if absolutely needed.