Padres All-Star Free Agent Pitcher Surprisingly Finds New Home

He's looking to make his MLB comeback elsewhere.

Former Padres All-Star left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz is trying to make an MLB comeback.

Pomeranz, who last pitched in 2021 with the San Diego Padres, has reportedly signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reported the deal was close, while Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported it was done.

Source: The Angels are nearing a minor league deal with LHP Drew Pomeranz. He would be invited to big league camp.

He last pitched in the majors in 2021. He has been battling elbow issues since then. He has been throwing bullpens.

Pomeranz had a 1.75 ERA with SD in 21.

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) February 13, 2024

Pomeranz, who signed a four-year, $34 million deal with the Padres back in 2019, was only able to play out half of that contract for the Friars.

After dominating in 2020 and 2021 to the tune of a 1.62 ERA in 47 combined appearances, Pomeranz had flexor tendon surgery that forced him to miss all of 2022.

He attempted to make a comeback in 2023, but it was unsuccessful.

Now, the 35-year-old is looking to return to the majors, and will be doing it in Anaheim.

The 11-year veteran began his career back in 2011 with the Colorado Rockies, and had his first stint with the Friars back in 2016.

Pomeranz had a strong first half as a starter, sporting a 2.47 ERA in 17 starts, and even made the All-Star team for the first and only time in his career. He was then traded to the Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline for top prospect Anderson Espinoza.

Pomeranz ended up returning to San Diego as a reliever for a few seasons, but injuries derailed the back half of his contract. Now, he's hoping to continue his MLB career elsewhere.