Reds’ worst tormentor from last season could become perfect lefty fit in 2026

The Cincinnati Reds are in dire need of a veteran lefty in the bullpen. Sam Moll, who completed just 18 ⅓ innings last season, is the sole relief southpaw on the 40-man roster, and the farm system consists primarily of righties. Drew Pomeranz, whose comeback story with the Chicago Cubs drew acclaim last year, may be the answer the Reds are looking for.

Pomeranz has always bedeviled the Reds whether as a starter or a reliever, but he was particularly good with the division-rival Cubs in 2025. In six games, the lefty held Cincinnati to a single run. In fact, he allowed just four baserunners (two hits, one walk, one hit batsman) and struck out seven. That’s the kind of shutdown middle relief that the Reds need.

Drew Pomeranz, who vexed the Reds in 2025, would be a perfect fit for Cincy’s bullpen

Pomeranz would also bring crucial postseason experience to a squad that has dreams of contention. Since transitioning to a relief role in 2018, Pomeranz has pitched 11 scoreless innings while coming out of the bullpen during three different postseason runs. He served as the opener of Game 5 of the NLDS in 2025 and gave up a home run, his first hit allowed that postseason.

Pomeranz could come at a decent price point. Prior to last year, he had not pitched in the majors since 2021, and his injury history may make suitors shy away. The Reds love these types of guys, having signed Brent Suter and Justin Wilson to one-year deals at around $2 million. If the Reds really are trying to pursue big-name free agents, a high-risk, low-cost veteran could be an ideal move to preserve budget space.

The Reds will likely have to compete with the Reds for Pomeranz’s services, though. Chicago’s bullpen is full of holes as seven relief pitchers filed for free agency this winter, including Keegan Thompson, whom the Reds signed at the beginning of the month. Pomeranz may feel that the Cubs have unfinished business or that he owes the team that gave him a second chance at big league glory. It would be in the Reds’ favor to make a significant push to lock down this free agent.