Cubs quietly reunite with surprise 2025 star

The Chicago Cubs have reunited with veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz, signing the 37-year-old to a minor league contract after his release by the Los Angeles Angels. The team did not formally announce the move, but Pomeranz made his return with Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, throwing a scoreless inning while allowing one walk and striking out two batters.

Pomeranz became one of Chicago’s biggest surprises in 2025 after returning to the majors for the first time since 2021. He appeared in 57 games for the Cubs, finishing with a 2.17 ERA across 49 2/3 innings while recording 57 strikeouts. He also produced a 28.1% strikeout rate and a 7.4% walk rate during his comeback season.

His return followed several injury-plagued years. After pitching 25 2/3 innings for the San Diego Padres in 2021, Pomeranz underwent surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon and later had an elbow cleanup procedure in 2023. As a result, he logged only 19 1/3 innings in the minor leagues from 2022 through 2024 before reviving his career with the Cubs.

That performance earned him a one-year, $4 million contract with the Angels during the offseason. However, he couldn’t replicate that success in Anaheim, compiling a 5.01 ERA over 23 1/3 innings with a 14.8% strikeout rate and an 11.1% walk rate before being designated for assignment and eventually released.

Chicago’s pitching staff has since been hit hard by injuries, affecting both the starting rotation and bullpen. With multiple pitchers unavailable, the Cubs have relied on several low-cost additions and internal options to cover relief innings. If Pomeranz can build on his strong start at Triple-A Iowa, he could earn another opportunity to contribute at the major league level later this season.

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