Boston Trades for Drew Pomeranz
In July of the 2016 season the Red Sox acquired Drew Pomeranz from the San Diego Padres. The Sox gave up Anderson Espinoza, their top pitching prospect who had received comparisons to Pedro Martinez. At first it seemed like Dombrowski made a mistake as his new pitcher struggled. Pomeranz was in the midst of breakout season with San Diego, but in 14 games with Boston he had a 4.59 ERA. Last year he rebounded by winning 17 games with an ERA of 3.32. Pomeranz will be looking to build on that success in 2018.
Photo Credit: Michael Dwyer/ Associated Press
Pomernaz’s Breakout 2017
In 2010 Pomeranz was taken fifth overall in the MLB draft. Since then he’s pitched for four teams, including the Red Sox. Last year was the first season of his career in which Pomeranz was able to stay healthy and pitch to his potential. However, last season was not entirely great for the former fifth overall pick, as for the early part of 2017 he continued to struggle. Through for the first two months of the season he had an ERA of 4.24. From June on he was a different pitcher and became the second best starter Red Sox. Boston needed this badly, as David price was injured and would not return until the playoffs. The question for Pomeranz is can he repeat the success he had last year.
Photo Credit: Ap Photo/ Charles Krupa
Expectations for 2018
Last season was not a surprise for Pomeranz based on his potential when he was drafted. If the Red Sox are going to make a championship run, they will need the 2017 version of Pomeranz. Down the stretch he showed fatigue last year as he pitched the most innings of his career. Pomeranz is projected to slot into the third spot of the Sox rotation behind Sale and Price. This will take some pressure off him as the team won’t be relying on him as much as last year. The Sox offense is also expected to be better, which will not help just Pomeranz but all of the Red Sox starters. Pomeranz may not win 17 games again this year, but he should be a solid number three with an ERA under 4.00.
Photo Credit: Bob Chiara/ USA Today Sports
Final Thoughts
Pomeranz like many other Red Sox starters will be highly motivated. He will be a free agent after this season. He is also coming off a playoff start against the Astros, in which he lasted only two innings. Those two factors should push Pomeranz as this season as he could be in for a big 2018.