Drew Pomeranz DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Cubs left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz will serve as the opener for Saturday's game against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field, according to 670 The Score's Bruce Levine. After Pomeranz goes for an inning or two at most, right-hander Ben Brown is expected to serve in the bulk-relief role. The 36-year-old Pomeranz will be making his 15th appearances of the year with the Cubbies and his first "start" since 2019. He's been lights-out in 12 2/3 innings so far in 2025 with no earned runs allowed while walking three and striking out 14, but he isn't a realistic option as a fantasy streamer in what will likely just be an inning of work against Cincy. Pomeranz hasn't gone more than 1 1/3 innings in his 14 appearances for Chicago this year, and that came way back on April 26 in his second outing of the season.

The Seattle Mariners have decided to trade left-handed relief pitcher Drew Pomeranz to the Chicago Cubs on Monday. The veteran southpaw reportedly has an upward-mobility clause in his contract. That means that the Mariners needed to offer Pomeranz to every team, and if there was an organization willing to promote him, then he needed to be traded there or recalled to Seattle's bullpen. He'll be sent to Chicago after posting a 4.66 ERA with 14 strikeouts and six walks in 9 2/3 innings in Triple-A. Pomeranz hasn't pitched in the MLB since 2021, so it's unclear what exactly the Cubs are going to get here.

The Seattle Mariners are signing left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz to a minor-league contract. Pomeranz spent time in Seattle earlier in camp but will return to them on a minor league deal. Fantasy managers should expect Pomeranz to begin the campaign with Triple-A Tacoma. Pomeranz has not appeared in an MLB contest since the 2021 campaign. Last summer, the southpaw spent time in Triple-A with the Oklahoma City Baseball Club. He logged just eight innings of work and allowed six earned runs. Over the past few seasons, he has dealt with several injuries. He underwent left elbow flexor tendon surgery during the 2023 campaign. Across 858 career frames in the majors, the 36-year-old posted a 3.91 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. He will likely face an uphill battle to return to the big leagues this season.