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, nicknamed "Big Smooth," is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Chicago Cubs. A former MLB All-Star with the San Diego Padres in 2016, he has also played for the Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers. Pomeranz was a World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. His career has spanned over a decade at the major league level.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: Drafted by the Texas Rangers (First time)

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

2007: Drafted by the Texas Rangers

In 2007, Drew Pomeranz was selected in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Texas Rangers but opted to play college baseball 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.

August 16, 2010: Signed with the Cleveland Indians

On August 16, 2010, Drew Pomeranz signed with the Cleveland Indians with a $2.65 million signing bonus, 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 and First Starts

In September 2011, Drew Pomeranz made his Major League debut, starting and pitching five scoreless innings to pick up the win against the Cincinnati Reds. He made 4 starts in September 2011, finishing with a 1–2 record and a 5.40 ERA.

2011: Top 50 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 only appeared in 8 games, with 4 starts for the Colorado Rockies.

2014: Fractured hand after punching a chair

In 2014, Drew Pomeranz began as a member of the A's bullpen, then moved to the rotation on May 9. After 8 starts, Drew Pomeranz fractured his non-throwing hand by punching a wooden chair after giving up 8 runs in 3.2 innings against the Rangers on June 16.

December 2, 2015: Traded to the San Diego Padres

On December 2, 2015, the Oakland 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 the Bullpen and Career High Games

In 2015, Drew Pomeranz was shifted to the bullpen for the Oakland A's, while also starting 9 games. Despite an increased ERA, he appeared in a career-high 53 games, recording 3 saves and logging in 86 innings.

September 16, 2016: A.J. Preller Suspended due to the Pomeranz trade

On September 16, 2016, San Diego Padres general manager A. J. Preller was suspended for 30 days specifically with respect to the Drew Pomeranz trade, for keeping two sets of medical records for players—one internal and one for league use.

2016: All-Star Game Appearance

In 2016, Drew Pomeranz made the San Diego Padres' starting rotation and was named to appear in the 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: Pitched for the Red Sox

In 2016, Drew Pomeranz pitched for the Boston Red Sox with a 4.59 ERA and a record of 3–5, recording 71 strikeouts and 24 walks in 68+2⁄3 innings. That season he led all major league pitchers in curveball percentage (39.2%). He also tied for the major league lead in bunt hits allowed, with eight.

2016: MLB All-Star

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

2017: Season with the Red Sox

In 2017, Drew Pomeranz had a record of 17–6 with a 3.32 ERA in 32 appearances for the Red Sox, registering 174 strikeouts and 69 walks in 173+2⁄3 regular season innings. For the second consecutive season he led all major league pitchers in curveball percentage (37.0%).

2018: World Series Champion with the Red Sox

During the 2018 Red Sox season, Drew Pomeranz began on the disabled list due to a flexor strain. He was later placed on the disabled list again due to left biceps tendinitis. Though he was not included on Boston's initial postseason roster, he was added for the World Series, where the Red Sox beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, making Pomeranz a World Series champion.

2018: World Series Champion

In 2018, Drew Pomeranz was a World Series champion with 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 worth $1.5 million with incentives. He was moved to the bullpen on July 20 after struggling with a 6.10 ERA in 17 starts.

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: Scoreless Innings Streak Ended

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

August 14, 2021: Season-Ending Surgery Announcement

On August 14, 2021, it was announced that Drew Pomeranz would undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon.

March 28, 2022: Placed on Injured List

Drew Pomeranz began the 2022 season in recovery and was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 28, 2022.

May 23, 2023: Additional Surgery

On May 23, 2023, Drew Pomeranz underwent an additional surgery, described as a 'cleanup' procedure. He would not appear for San Diego in 2023 after he experienced a setback in his rehabilitation in Triple–A El Paso. He became a free agent following the season.

February 14, 2024: Signed Minor League Contract with the Los Angeles Angels

On February 14, 2024, Drew Pomeranz signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

May 24, 2024: Signed a One-Year Major League Contract with the San Francisco Giants

On May 24, 2024, Drew Pomeranz signed a one-year, major league contract with the San Francisco Giants. He did not make an appearance for the Giants before being designated for assignment on May 28.