Cubs to Acquire Drew Pomeranz from Mariners
In a move that is set to bolster their bullpen, the Chicago Cubs are to acquire veteran reliever Drew Pomeranz from the Seattle Mariners, according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The deal, which is reportedly to be completed for cash considerations, will see Pomeranz join the Cubs with the expectation that he will be called up to the major leagues.
The acquisition was confirmed by the Cubs, who officially announced to media, including Marquee’s Taylor McGregor, that they had acquired Pomeranz. According to Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Pomeranz is likely to be called up on Wednesday, with the team initially assigning him to Triple-A Iowa.
Pomeranz, who is 36 years old, had been pitching in Triple-A with the Mariners and had an upward mobility clause in his deal that required the Mariners to either call him up or trade him if another team was willing to offer him a big league roster spot. This clause, as reported by Rosenthal, has led to Pomeranz joining the Cubs, who are expected to give him a look in the major leagues.
The southpaw has not appeared in a major league game in four years, although he did have a brief stint with the San Francisco Giants last May. He spent four days on the Giants’ roster but did not get into a game before being designated for assignment and outrighted off the roster. Pomeranz then elected free agency and sat out the remainder of the season.
Prior to joining the Mariners on a minor league deal in December, Pomeranz had been working to regain his form. He was granted his release at the end of Spring Training but promptly returned on a new non-roster pact. In 9 2/3 innings with the Mariners’ Tacoma affiliate, Pomeranz has allowed six runs, five of them earned, and has given out eight free passes. However, he has punched out 14 of 43 opponents and has shown some promising signs, including a 92 MPH fastball and a low-80s knuckle-curve.
The Cubs are reportedly intrigued by Pomeranz’s stuff, despite some concerns about his command. Pomeranz has some familiarity with Cubs skipper Craig Counsell, having had a breakout half-season in Milwaukee while Counsell was managing the Brewers in 2019. In 26 1/3 innings, Pomeranz recorded 45 strikeouts, which led the Padres to sign him to a four-year, $34MM free agent deal the following offseason.
However, that investment did not pay off, as injuries and the shortened 2020 schedule limited Pomeranz to 47 appearances over the life of that contract. According to MLB.com, the Cubs have optioned Jordan Wicks to Triple-A Iowa, which will apparently be the corresponding active roster move. They will also need to add Pomeranz to the 40-man roster, although they can move Justin Steele to the 60-day injured list to open that spot.
As reported by MLB Trade Rumors, the Cubs’ acquisition of Pomeranz is set to provide a boost to their bullpen. With Pomeranz likely to be called up on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see how he performs in his first major league appearance in four years. As MLB Trade Rumors notes, Pomeranz’s addition could have significant implications for the Cubs’ pitching staff.
The Cubs’ interest in Pomeranz was likely sparked by his potential to provide a strong left-handed relief option. As MLB Trade Rumors reports, Pomeranz has a history of success against left-handed hitters, which could be an asset for the Cubs in the second half of the season.
As the Cubs prepare to welcome Pomeranz to the team, it will be interesting to see how he fits into the team’s plans. With a strong performance in his first few outings, Pomeranz could establish himself as a key member of the Cubs’ bullpen. As MLB Trade Rumors notes, Pomeranz’s experience and track record make him a compelling addition to the Cubs’ pitching staff.
In conclusion, the Cubs’ acquisition of Drew Pomeranz from the Mariners is a move that could have significant implications for the team’s bullpen. With Pomeranz likely to be called up on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see how he performs in his first major league appearance in four years. As reported by MLB Trade Rumors, Pomeranz’s addition could provide a boost to the Cubs’ pitching staff and help the team compete in the second half of the season.
