The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a minor league contract with left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz, the 35-year-old veteran who has not thrown a Major League pitch since 2021. It’s yet another relief pitcher the Angels have brought into their organization this offseason as they attempt to completely rework the relief crew.
Elbow issues have plagued, namely surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in August of 2021, have kept Pomeranz away from the big league stage. He had ramped up several times in both 2022 and 2023 but had to be shut down, and eventually had another clean-up procedure in his elbow in May of 2023. At this stage, it’s unclear when, if at all, Pomeranz would be ready to go this season.
That’s why the Angels have given him a minor league deal, giving him a chance to earn a place on the Major League roster at Spring Training. While expectations for Pomeranz should be tame, if he can prove himself to be healthy, he could make a great addition to the Angels roster.
Pomeranz has been a very good pitcher over the course of his 11-year career. As a full-time starter in both 2016 and 2017, Pomeranz tossed over 170 innings with ERAs of 3.32 in both campaigns. He was named an All-Star in 2016. His transition to the bullpen from 2018 to 2020 was a bit clunky, but he ultimately found a home with the San Diego Padres.
In 44.1 innings between 2020 and 2021, Pomeranz had an ERA of 1.62 out of the bullpen. He struck out 59 batters in that stretch and had an ERA+ of 250. He had a WHIP of 1.083 in that span. So when Pomeranz is at full strength, he is a legitimate reliever with All-Star potential.
However, two years of elbow injuries is certain to affect a pitcher’s stuff, especially at age 35. The Angels have a few weeks to see what they can get out of Pomeranz and make a decision as to whether or not he joins Carlos Estévez, Robert Stephenson, Adam Cimber, Luis Garcia and others in the new-look Halo bullpen.
Angels have met with Domingo Germán
The Angels have reportedly met with starting pitcher Domingo Germán multiple times this offseason.
Germán would be a solid fit within the Angels rotation, as he has tossed 85 or more innings in four of his last five seasons. Getting that kind of consistency at the back end of the rotation would be a victory for L.A. However, signing Germán would not be without its controversies.
In September of 2019, Germán became physically violent with his girlfriend both during and after an MLB-sanctioned event alongside Yankees teammates. The incident was reported to MLB, but Germán’s girlfriend never went to authorities. The domestic violence earned him an 81-game league suspension, but he never faced legal trouble.
There were also reports of Germán facing more domestic abuse charges in 2023, but no investigation was ever opened.
If the Angels are serious in their pursuit of Germán, they have to decide if his talent is worth the risk of him committing an act of violence again or if it’s worth the controversy of having him on the roster at all after two potential incidents.