Chicago Cubs shuffle bullpen, acquire Drew Pomeranz

The Chicago Cubs continue to aggressively address their bullpen struggles, recently acquiring veteran left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz from the Seattle Mariners in an effort to add a second lefty and increase flexibility for manager Craig Counsell. The bullpen currently ranks among the bottom in the majors, with a 5.19 ERA and a poor strikeout-to-walk ratio, prompting ongoing roster shuffling and experimentation to find a reliable mix. President Jed Hoyer emphasized the need for constant optimization, acknowledging both the volatility and injury risks associated with relievers. While the back end of the bullpen, anchored by closer Ryan Pressly, has been solid, inconsistent performances and high-leverage failures have necessitated these changes. Pomeranz, who has not pitched in the majors since 2021, is seen as trending upward in Triple-A and is expected to be called up soon to contribute, especially with upcoming matchups against tough left-handed hitters. These moves underscore the Cubs' determination not to stand pat as they seek greater consistency and depth in their relief corps.