The Cubs' recent roster moves have been a rollercoaster, to say the least. With the team's injury woes persisting, the organization is navigating a delicate balance between stabilizing their rotation and bolstering their relief corps. The latest development involves the designation of left-hander Drew Pomeranz for assignment, a move that has sparked curiosity and raised questions about his future in the MLB.
A Familiar Face, A Familiar Story
Pomeranz, once a standout reliever, has found himself in a familiar predicament. After a promising bounceback season with the Cubs in 2025, where he posted a 2.17 ERA and struck out 28.1% of batters, he signed a $4MM deal with the Angels. However, the magic didn't last, as he struggled mightily with the Halos, posting a 5.59 ERA and a 12.6% strikeout rate. This decline in performance has led to his release by the Angels and subsequent reassignment by the Cubs.
The Cubs, ever the opportunists, scooped him up on a minor league deal. But the story took a turn when he failed to replicate his previous success, allowing five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings and issuing four walks while striking out just one opponent. This performance has raised eyebrows, and it's safe to say that Pomeranz's days with the Cubs are likely numbered.
The Rotation Conundrum
The Cubs' rotation has been a hotbed of injuries, with Cade Horton out for the season due to Tommy John surgery and Justin Steele battling setbacks after undergoing UCL surgery. The situation has forced the Cubs to turn to a variety of options, including Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Colin Rea. The recent acquisition of David Peterson from the Mets and the activation of Aaron Civale from the Athletics provide some much-needed reinforcement.
The Relief Crisis
The Cubs' struggles extend beyond the rotation, as their relief corps has also been hit hard by injuries. Phil Maton, who signed a two-year, $14.5MM deal with the Cubs, has been plagued by right knee tendinitis, leading to his third IL stint of the season. This is a stark contrast to his impressive performance with the Cardinals and Rangers last year, where he posted a 2.79 ERA.
The Cubs' injury woes have created a ripple effect, affecting their overall performance. With Maton's ongoing issues, the team is likely to seek additional relief arms in the coming weeks to bolster their bullpen.
The Way Forward
As the trade deadline approaches on August 3, the Cubs find themselves in a precarious position. They must decide whether to keep Pomeranz, who is likely to be a free agent again, or release him, given his poor performance and the team's need for relief arms. The organization's ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining their success in the second half of the season.
In my opinion, the Cubs' recent moves highlight the challenges of managing a team amidst a wave of injuries. While the activation of Taillon and the acquisition of Civale provide some relief, the team's rotation and bullpen remain fragile. The organization must make strategic decisions to address these vulnerabilities and ensure a competitive edge in the highly competitive MLB landscape.
