Angels Bolster Bullpen with Romano, Pomeranz Signings

The Los Angeles Angels have taken an aggressive approach to reshaping their bullpen this offseason, focusing on flexibility and immediate impact. After a season marked by inconsistent relief pitching, the team prioritized acquiring experienced arms capable of delivering in high-leverage situations.

On Tuesday, the Angels agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Jordan Romano and left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz, signaling a targeted effort to blend proven experience with reclamation potential. Both deals are short-term commitments, reflecting the team’s strategy to minimize long-term risk while addressing bullpen instability.

Romano, a former two-time All-Star, joins Los Angeles after a challenging 2025 season that included injuries and mechanical struggles. Despite recent setbacks, his track record as a late-game performer offers the Angels a chance to recapture elite bullpen performance.

Pomeranz provides a complementary left-handed option, returning from multiple injury-plagued seasons with a strong 2025 campaign for the Chicago Cubs. Together, the two signings reflect an organizational philosophy focused on high-upside, flexible pitching to navigate the demands of a long season.

1. Jordan Romano Returns

Romano, 32, agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the Angels, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The right-hander’s history as an All-Star closer makes him a potential game-changer if he regains his previous form. Last season, Romano faced challenges with both health and mechanics, limiting his effectiveness. Still, the Angels are betting that his experience and past dominance in high-pressure situations can stabilize their late innings. His addition fills a critical void for Los Angeles, which struggled with bullpen consistency in 2025. Romano’s presence provides manager Phil Nevin with a versatile right-handed option for various scenarios, including close games and late-inning matchups. If Romano can return to even a portion of his peak performance, his signing could be one of the offseason’s most valuable low-risk moves, offering both depth and upside for the Angels’ pitching staff.

2. Drew Pomeranz Brings Left-Handed Depth

The Angels also signed left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz to a one-year, $4 million contract, according to ESPN’s Alden González. Pomeranz offers a different profile, emphasizing consistency and control rather than overpowering velocity. After missing multiple seasons due to injury, Pomeranz posted a strong 2025 campaign with the Chicago Cubs: a 2.17 ERA across 57 appearances, 57 strikeouts, and one save. His performance demonstrated durability and reliability, two traits the Angels valued in reshaping their bullpen. Pomeranz provides manager Nevin with a dependable southpaw option for critical late-inning situations. Having both Romano and Pomeranz allows the Angels to strategically match arms against opposing lineups and preserve the team’s high-leverage pitching resources. The one-year deal aligns with the Angels’ short-term approach, giving them flexibility to evaluate performance without committing long-term while still addressing pressing bullpen needs.

3. Strategy and Outlook

The additions of Romano and Pomeranz underscore a broader Angels philosophy: combining experienced veterans with reclamation upside to stabilize late-inning pitching. This approach minimizes risk while creating the potential for high-reward returns. Los Angeles enters spring training with a refreshed bullpen, better equipped to handle the rigors of the 162-game season. Manager Nevin can deploy the new arms in multiple roles, from setup to closer scenarios, depending on performance and matchups. The short-term contracts also allow the organization to reassess options in 2026, maintaining flexibility in a competitive American League. Both signings reflect careful planning and a willingness to invest selectively in proven talent. If Romano and Pomeranz return to form, the Angels’ bullpen could transform from a liability to a strength, potentially becoming one of the offseason’s most effective value moves. These additions also signal the team’s commitment to remaining competitive in the AL West.