Cubs Quietly Reunite With Former All-Star, World Series Champ Quickly After Cut
Jed Hoyer, Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations, speaks after the season Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
TNS
Veteran relievers often find themselves bouncing between organizations late in their careers, especially when contenders are searching for experienced bullpen depth before the stretch run.
That appears to be the latest chapter for Drew Pomeranz, who has now returned to the Chicago Cubs organization shortly after being cut by another club earlier this season.
“The Cubs quietly brought Drew Pomeranz back to the organization on a minor league deal late last week,” Steve Adams wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “The team never formally announced the signing, but Pomeranz suited up for the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate in Iowa last night and tossed a scoreless inning with a walk and two strikeouts.”
The move reunited Chicago with the former Boston Red Sox All-Star and World Series champion just weeks after he was let go by the Los Angeles Angels and just a season after he enjoyed a resurgent season on the North Side.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Cubs’ 3-Year Infielder Joins AL Leader Quickly After Roster Cut
Chicago Cubs Bring Back World Series Champion Amid Injury Setbacks
Pomeranz’s return comes after an uneven first half of the 2026 season, but Chicago has already seen firsthand what he can contribute when healthy.
“The 37-year-old Pomeranz parlayed last year’s outstanding comeback effort into a one-year, $4MM guarantee with the Angels in free agency during the offseason,” Adams added. “He hasn’t been able to recapture last year’s form in Anaheim… Given the patchwork nature of the relief group (in Chicago), there could be an opportunity for Pomeranz in the big leagues before long if he can string together a few strong appearances in Des Moines.”
That possibility makes the signing more than a routine depth addition. Chicago’s bullpen has dealt with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season, creating opportunities for veteran arms capable of providing reliable innings if they regain form.
The Cubs are betting Pomeranz can do exactly that after beginning his latest stint with a scoreless outing for Triple-A Iowa.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Blue Jays Manager Holds Late Night Vladimir Guerrero Jr Meeting As Concerns Mount
Chicago Cubs’ Veteran Reunion Provides Key Depth At Shallow Position
Pomeranz brings one of the more accomplished resumes of any pitcher currently available on a minor league contract.
He has logged more than 930 innings in big-league stints with the Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers and others, but his best season came in 2016, split between the Padres and Red Sox. He won a championship with the Red Sox in 2018.
“The No. 5 overall pick in the 2010 Draft and a former Top 100 prospect, Pomeranz has battled injuries for much of his career amid several stretches of effective pitching,” MLB.com’s Max Ralph reported. “After beginning his career as a starter and moving full time to the bullpen in 2020, Pomeranz owns a career 3.85 ERA.”
Beyond his All-Star selection, Pomeranz’s World Series run gave him some valuable postseason experience that few available relievers can match and that might come to benefit the Cubs down the stretch.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
