The Los Angeles Angels faced criticism last offseason when they chose not to make a serious effort to retain veteran closer and future Hall of Famer Kenley Jansen in free agency. Instead, General Manager Perry Minasian attempted to rebuild the back end of the bullpen by signing three experienced relievers he believed could handle closing responsibilities. Unfortunately, that strategy has not produced the desired results.
The latest indication of the plan’s failure came when the Angels designated left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz for assignment. Pomeranz entered the season after a strong comeback year with the Chicago Cubs in 2025, where he posted a 2.17 ERA and 1.067 WHIP across 57 relief appearances. However, he was unable to replicate that success in Anaheim.
After signing a one-year, $4 million contract, Pomeranz struggled significantly, recording a 5.01 ERA over 23⅓ innings and failing to register a single save during his time with the club.
Another Reliever Exits
Pomeranz was one of three veteran bullpen additions made by the Angels during the offseason. The organization also brought in Jordan Romano and Kirby Yates in hopes of replacing Jansen’s production.
Romano’s tenure with the Angels was short-lived. Following a disappointing stretch in which he posted a 10.13 ERA over 11 appearances, he was released and later joined the Colorado Rockies organization, where he is now pitching for their Triple-A affiliate.
Yates has remained with the team but has delivered mixed results. After missing the opening month of the season due to injury, he returned in May and has recorded a 4.38 ERA with only one save, numbers that have fallen short of expectations considering his $5 million contract.
Costly Decisions
Combined, the Angels committed approximately $11 million to Pomeranz, Romano, and Yates—the same amount that Kenley Jansen received in his free-agent contract with the Detroit Tigers. While Jansen has not been dominant this season, posting a 4.50 ERA with seven saves in 19 appearances, the Angels have received even less value from their collective bullpen investment.
For many fans, Pomeranz’s departure was not unexpected given his struggles throughout the season. If Kirby Yates fails to improve, he could become the next veteran reliever to leave the organization before the season ends.
What was intended to be a cost-effective replacement for Jansen has instead become another disappointing chapter for an Angels franchise that continues to search for stability and success.
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