The Los Angeles Angels just dipped back into the free-agent reliever market. They inked veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz to a one-year, $4 million deal that signals both urgency and belief.
After a remarkable comeback campaign with the Chicago Cubs, Pomeranz arrives in Anaheim as a crucial bullpen piece. The club’s reshaping its pitching staff and trying to stay competitive in a tough American League landscape.
Drew Pomeranz’s Remarkable Comeback Story
Few relievers in baseball can claim a path as winding as Drew Pomeranz’s. At 37, he isn’t a typical upside play—he’s a bet on proven performance and resilience.
His skill set aged surprisingly well in 2025. Honestly, that’s not something you see every day in this league.
From Near-Obscurity to Dominant Setup Man
Pomeranz had basically vanished from the major league radar between 2022 and 2024. Outside of a brief, non-playing stint on the San Francisco Giants’ roster in 2024 and a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners, he was more a name from the past than a factor in the present.
That all changed when he exercised an upward mobility clause in his contract and joined the Chicago Cubs in mid-April. Once he landed in the big-league bullpen, he didn’t just stick—he dominated:
July brought a rough patch, the kind that often derails comeback stories. Instead, Pomeranz regrouped, tightened his command, and reasserted himself as one of the most reliable left-handed relievers in the National League by season’s end.
The Arsenal: How Pomeranz Gets Hitters Out
Pomeranz isn’t overpowering in the radar-gun sense anymore. Still, his pitch mix and execution remain elite for short stints.
Fastball/Curveball Combo Still Plays
The veteran leans heavily on a four-seam fastball that averages 92.7 mph. He pairs it with a devastating knuckle-curve that remains his calling card.
Together, those pitches fuel some standout strikeout and walk numbers:
That combo of swing-and-miss stuff and reasonable control is exactly what modern bullpens need. For the Angels, who crave dependable late-inning arms, Pomeranz’s profile fits perfectly.
Angels Bullpen Outlook After Pomeranz Signing
This move doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The Angels are retooling a staff that saw roles shift significantly heading into 2026.
Replacing Kenley Jansen and Resetting Roles
With former closer Kenley Jansen departing and left-hander Reid Detmers shifting back into the starting rotation, Anaheim had two immediate needs:
Pomeranz checks both boxes. He may not be the primary closer, but he’s got the stuff and experience to pitch in the eighth and ninth innings.
The Angels also added right-hander Jordan Romano on a $2 million deal. That gives the manager and front office flexibility to mix and match in late-game situations.
Why Pomeranz Is Especially Valuable vs Left-Handed Hitters
In an era defined by matchups and leverage, Pomeranz’s dominance against left-handed batters stands out. It’s a big deal, especially in today’s game.
A Lefty Specialist with Modern Versatility
In 2025, left-handed hitters managed just a .176/.238/.203 line against him. Even more impressive, he struck out 35% of left-handed batters he faced.
That kind of performance gives the Angels a critical weapon against the middle of opposing lineups. In the AL West, where left-handed power bats can dictate series outcomes, Pomeranz can neutralize those threats in the most important spots.
Whether it’s the seventh inning with traffic or the ninth with the game on the line, he’s got the tools to handle it.
Payroll, Roster Needs, and What Comes Next
Pomeranz’s $4 million salary, combined with Romano’s $2 million deal, pushes the Angels’ projected payroll to about $172 million. That’s a significant number, but not a prohibitive one.
Angels Still Active in the Market
Even after shoring up the back end of their bullpen, the Angels’ front office isn’t slowing down. They’re still eyeing some important upgrades to round out the roster:
In that light, the Pomeranz signing feels like a smart, mid-range move. It’s solid value for a reliever who can make an impact, and it leaves space for at least one more notable addition somewhere else on the team.
Here is the source article for this story: Angels Sign Drew Pomeranz
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