Drew Pomeranz Bio
Thomas Andrew Pomeranz, nicknamed Big Smooth, is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs. Pomeranz was an MLB All-Star with the Padres in 2016, and a World Series champion with the Red Sox in 2018.
Early Life and Background
Drew Pomeranz was born on November 22, 1988, in Collierville, Tennessee. He was selected in the 12th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft by the Texas Rangers, but he opted to play college baseball at the University of Mississippi instead. During his college career, Pomeranz pitched for the United States Collegiate National Team, leading them to victory in the 2009 World Baseball Challenge. He finished that tournament with a 4–1 record and a 1.75 earned run average, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
In 2010, Pomeranz received the Cellular South Ferriss Trophy, awarded to Mississippi’s top collegiate baseball player. His impressive performance in college helped him gain recognition and solidified his decision to pursue a professional baseball career.
Path to Baseball
Pomeranz was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft after an impressive college career. He signed with the Indians on August 16, 2010, for a signing bonus of $2.65 million, which was the largest given to a college pitcher that year. He quickly became one of the top 50 prospects in baseball by 2011.
After being traded to the Colorado Rockies in 2011, Pomeranz made his Major League debut on September 11, 2011, against the Cincinnati Reds, where he pitched five scoreless innings. His early career was marked by ups and downs, but he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience on the mound.
Drew Pomeranz Career
Early Career (2010–2015)
Pomeranz began his professional career with the Cleveland Indians and was later traded to the Colorado Rockies. During his time with the Rockies, he faced challenges but also had moments of success. In 2012, he hit his first career home run and made 22 starts for the Rockies despite a difficult season.
In December 2013, Pomeranz was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he found more stability. He posted a career-low 2.35 earned run average in 2014, appearing in 20 games and starting 10. His performance continued to improve, and he became a reliable pitcher for the Athletics.
Breakthrough (2016–2018)
Pomeranz’s breakthrough season came in 2016 when he was traded to the San Diego Padres. He was named an MLB All-Star after posting a 2.47 earned run average and leading the National League with a .184 batting average against in the first half of the season. His success with the Padres led to a trade to the Boston Red Sox during the All-Star break.
With the Red Sox, Pomeranz continued to excel, finishing the 2017 season with a record of 17–6 and a 3.32 earned run average. He played a crucial role in the Red Sox’s 2018 World Series championship, although he did not pitch in the postseason.
Notable Works and Milestones
Pomeranz’s signature work includes his All-Star selection in 2016 and his contribution to the Red Sox’s World Series victory in 2018. He has also achieved significant milestones in his career, including a total of 940 strikeouts and a win-loss record of 50–60 as of the end of the 2025 season.
Drew Pomeranz Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Drew Pomeranz has received several nominations and accolades, including his selection as an MLB All-Star in 2016.
Drew Pomeranz Awards Won
Pomeranz has won notable awards, including being a World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
Drew Pomeranz Family
Drew Pomeranz is married to Carolyn Esserman, and they have two children together. He comes from a family with a baseball background, as his older brother, Stu, also played in Major League Baseball.
Personal Life
Pomeranz married Carolyn Esserman on November 19, 2016. He is the great-grandson of Garland Buckeye, a former professional football and baseball player, making him part of a unique lineage in sports history. Pomeranz continues to live a life dedicated to baseball while balancing his family responsibilities.
