Mariners Sign Veteran Left-Hander Drew Pomeranz to Minor League Deal

The Seattle Mariners have added an experienced arm to their roster by signing veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz to a minor league deal, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. The contract likely includes an invitation to major league Spring Training, giving Pomeranz an opportunity to compete for a spot on the big league roster.

Drew Pomeranz, now 36, has enjoyed an 11-season career in Major League Baseball but hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021. Throughout his career, Pomeranz has oscillated between the starting rotation and the bullpen, often excelling in relief roles but struggling as a starter. Over his first eight MLB seasons, Pomeranz posted a respectable 3.92 ERA (110 ERA+) and a 4.14 FIP across 710 innings, which included 122 starts and 74 relief appearances.

The 2019 season began in a familiar fashion for Pomeranz, who struggled with a 5.68 ERA and 5.24 FIP while playing a swing role with the San Francisco Giants. However, a mid-season trade to the Milwaukee Brewers marked a turning point in his career. The Brewers transitioned Pomeranz to a full-time bullpen role, where he flourished as a high-leverage reliever. He posted a dominant 2.39 ERA and a 2.68 FIP with an impressive 45% strikeout rate, showcasing his potential as a reliever.

Pomeranz's standout performance in Milwaukee attracted significant attention in free agency, leading to a lucrative four-year, $34 million contract with the San Diego Padres ahead of the 2020 season. When healthy, Pomeranz continued to excel for the Padres, recording an exceptional 1.62 ERA and 2.75 FIP along with a 33.7% strikeout rate over the life of his contract.

Despite his recent absence from the majors, Pomeranz's track record of success in relief roles makes him a valuable addition to the Mariners' organization. With a fresh opportunity in Seattle, Pomeranz will aim to re-establish himself and contribute to the Mariners' bullpen depth. His experience and potential to dominate in high-leverage situations could prove beneficial for the team's playoff aspirations.

As Drew Pomeranz embarks on this new chapter with the Mariners, fans will be eager to see if he can recapture the form that made him a standout reliever.