Career Timeline of Drew Pomeranz: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Drew Pomeranz made an impact.

Thomas Andrew "Drew" Pomeranz, known as "Big Smooth," is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Chicago Cubs. He's had a notable MLB career, playing for several teams including the Rockies, Athletics, Red Sox, Giants, Brewers, and Padres. Pomeranz was an All-Star in 2016 as a Padre and won a World Series championship with the Red Sox in 2018. His career has been marked by movement between teams and recognition as a top-tier pitcher when healthy.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: Drafted by the Texas Rangers

In 2007, Drew Pomeranz was initially drafted by the Texas Rangers but opted to attend college instead.

2009: World Baseball Challenge Victory

In 2009, Drew Pomeranz pitched the United States Collegiate National Team to a victory in the World Baseball Challenge, throwing a one-hitter in the championship game against the German national baseball team. He finished the tournament with a 4–1 record and a 1.75 ERA, leading the team with 48 strikeouts.

August 16, 2010: Signed with the Cleveland Indians

On August 16, 2010, Drew Pomeranz signed with the Cleveland Indians just before the deadline. His contract included a $2.65 million signing bonus, which was the largest bonus given to a college pitcher in the draft that year.

July 31, 2011: Traded to the Colorado Rockies

On July 31, 2011, Drew Pomeranz, along with Alex White, Joe Gardner, and Matt McBride, was traded to the Colorado Rockies for Ubaldo Jiménez.

September 2011: MLB Debut

In September 2011, Drew Pomeranz made his Major League debut with the Colorado Rockies. He made 4 starts and finished with a 1–2 record and a 5.40 ERA.

2011: Top Prospect

In 2011, Drew Pomeranz was considered one of the top 50 prospects in baseball.

May 7, 2012: First Career Home Run

On May 7, 2012, Drew Pomeranz hit his first career home run.

December 10, 2013: Traded to the Oakland Athletics

On December 10, 2013, Drew Pomeranz, along with minor league pitcher Chris Jensen, was traded to the Oakland Athletics for pitcher Brett Anderson.

2013: Limited Appearances for the Rockies

In 2013, Drew Pomeranz began the season in Triple-A and appeared in only 8 games, making 4 starts for the Colorado Rockies.

2014: Pomeranz's Season with the Athletics

In 2014, Drew Pomeranz began as a member of the Oakland Athletics' bullpen. Later in the season, he fractured his non-throwing hand and went on the disabled list. Pomeranz posted a career-low 2.35 ERA in 20 games, with 10 starts for the A's.

December 2, 2015: Traded to the San Diego Padres

On December 2, 2015, the Athletics traded Drew Pomeranz, José Torres, and a player to be named later or cash considerations to the San Diego Padres for Marc Rzepczynski and Yonder Alonso.

2015: Shift to Bullpen with the A's

In 2015, Drew Pomeranz was shifted to the bullpen for the Oakland Athletics while also starting 9 games. He appeared in a career-high 53 games, recording 3 saves and logging in 86 innings.

2016: All-Star Selection with Padres

In 2016, Drew Pomeranz made the San Diego Padres' starting rotation and was named to appear in the 2016 MLB All-Star Game after posting a 2.47 ERA and leading the NL with a .184 batting average against in the first half.

2016: MLB All-Star with the Padres

In 2016, Drew Pomeranz was an MLB All-Star while playing with the San Diego Padres.

2016: Pomeranz with the Red Sox

In 2016, with the Boston Red Sox, Drew Pomeranz had a 4.59 ERA and a record of 3-5. He led all major league pitchers in curveball percentage (39.2%) and tied for the major league lead in bunt hits allowed, with eight.

2017: Pomeranz's 2017 Season

In 2017, Drew Pomeranz had a record of 17–6 with a 3.32 ERA in 32 appearances for the Boston Red Sox. He led all major league pitchers in curveball percentage (37.0%). He started Game 2 of the ALDS against the Houston Astros but took the loss.

2018: 2018 Season and World Series Win

In 2018, Drew Pomeranz spent time on the disabled list due to a flexor strain and later biceps tendinitis. He finished the season with a 2-6 record and a 6.08 ERA in 26 games for the Boston Red Sox. He was added to the postseason roster and became a World Series champion, although he did not pitch in the World Series.

2018: World Series Champion with the Red Sox

In 2018, Drew Pomeranz was a World Series champion as a member of the Boston Red Sox.

January 23, 2019: Signed with the San Francisco Giants

On January 23, 2019, Drew Pomeranz signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants for $1.5 million, including potential incentives. He was later moved to the bullpen due to struggling performance.

July 31, 2019: Traded to the Milwaukee Brewers

On July 31, 2019, the San Francisco Giants traded Drew Pomeranz and Ray Black to the Milwaukee Brewers for Mauricio Dubon.

November 27, 2019: Signed with the San Diego Padres

On November 27, 2019, Drew Pomeranz signed a four-year contract with the San Diego Padres.

2020: 2020 Season with the Padres

In 2020, Drew Pomeranz began the season with 18.2 consecutive scoreless innings before giving up a three-run home run to Wilmer Flores of the San Francisco Giants on September 25.