As the Chicago Cubs prepare for their do-or-die NLDS Game 5 matchup, one unexpected name suddenly stands at the heart of the drama: Drew Pomeranz. The 36-year-old lefty, nicknamed “Big Smooth,” has quietly become one of the most reliable veteran arms in baseball this postseason. Once an All-Star and World Series champion, Pomeranz has re-emerged with the Cubs as a steady hand under pressure, proving that experience and composure still matter when the stakes reach October heights.

From his early dominance at Ole Miss to years of grinding through injuries and comebacks, Pomeranz’s baseball journey has been anything but ordinary. As fans rally behind his Game 5 start, curiosity about his background, career, and personal life has only grown. Here’s a closer look at who Drew Pomeranz really is, from his net worth and MLB contracts to his family and the long road that brought him back to the postseason spotlight.

Who Is Drew Pomeranz?

Thomas Andrew Pomeranz, best known as Drew Pomeranz, was born on November 22, 1988, in Memphis, Tennessee. Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches, he’s a left-handed pitcher known for his smooth mechanics and devastating curveball. Pomeranz made his MLB debut on September 11, 2011, for the Colorado Rockies after being selected fifth overall by the Cleveland Indians in the 2010 MLB Draft.

Over the years, his reputation evolved from a top prospect into a proven big-game pitcher. After early struggles with consistency, Pomeranz found his stride as a reliever, earning an All-Star nod in 2016 and capturing a World Series title with the 2018 Boston Red Sox. In 2025, he joined the Chicago Cubs and quickly became a key part of their bullpen, recording a 2.17 ERA over 57 games and showing his trademark calm under postseason pressure. As of now, Pomeranz remains a trusted veteran presence for the Cubs, and their choice to open Game 5 shows just how valuable he’s become once again.

What Is Drew Pomeranz’s Ethnicity & Nationality?

Drew Pomeranz is American by nationality, born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. While he has not publicly discussed his ethnic background, he identifies strongly with his American roots and Southern upbringing. His family’s long baseball lineage, dating back nearly a century, connects him deeply to America’s pastime. Pomeranz’s great-grandfather, Garland Buckeye, was a two-sport professional athlete who pitched in Major League Baseball from 1918 to 1928, solidifying the family’s place in American baseball history.

Who Is Drew Pomeranz’s Wife?

Drew Pomeranz is married to Carolyn Esserman, who is widely known for her creative flair and social media presence. The couple tied the knot on November 19, 2016, and since then, Carolyn has occasionally shared glimpses of their baseball life through her lifestyle and travel content.

She often posts about maintaining a balanced and fun life during the season and off-season, reflecting the rhythm of a couple who live and breathe the game together. Despite her public presence, the pair keeps their private life relatively low-key, with limited details shared about their family. Their relationship has been described as grounded and enduring, strengthened by years of travel, relocations, and the unpredictable rhythm of the baseball calendar.

Who Are Drew Pomeranz’s Parents?

Drew was born into a family with deep baseball roots. His father, Mike Pomeranz, was a minor league pitcher for the Minnesota Twins organization from 1988 to 1992, which gave Drew early exposure to the discipline and grind of the game. His older brother, Stu Pomeranz, also reached the Major Leagues, making brief appearances with the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. The baseball tradition stretches further back through their great-grandfather, Garland Buckeye, who pitched professionally a century ago. Growing up in Memphis, Drew was immersed in baseball culture from the start, and it was that foundation, built on family, competition, and hard work, that shaped his rise to the top level of the sport.

What Is Drew Pomeranz’s Net Worth?

By 2025, Drew Pomeranz’s estimated net worth stands at roughly $52 million, built primarily through his long MLB career. Over fourteen seasons, his earnings reflect a mix of high-value contracts, arbitration years, and free-agent deals that rewarded his persistence and skill. His four-year, $34 million deal with the San Diego Padres in 2020 remains one of the most lucrative chapters of his career. In addition to his baseball income, endorsements and investments contribute to his financial profile, although Pomeranz has kept those details largely private. His net worth reflects not just his on-field success but also his ability to adapt and sustain value in an ever-changing league.

What Is Drew Pomeranz’s MLB Contract & Salary?

In 2025, Drew Pomeranz signed a one-year deal worth approximately $1.5 million with the Chicago Cubs, marking a return to the big stage after a short stint in Seattle earlier in the season. According to Spotrac data, his total career earnings exceed $53 million, encompassing previous contracts with the Padres, Red Sox, Athletics, and others.

The left-hander’s steady career earnings have cemented his status as one of the more accomplished journeyman pitchers of his generation. His consistency and ability to adjust roles, from starter to reliever, have allowed him to stay relevant across multiple teams and contracts.

Drew Pomeranz College and Amateur Career

Before his professional success, Pomeranz built his foundation at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he became a standout collegiate pitcher. His dominance during the 2010 season earned him titles such as SEC Pitcher of the Year and First-Team All-American. Known for his sharp breaking ball and poise on the mound, Pomeranz also won the prestigious Ferriss Trophy, awarded to Mississippi’s top collegiate player. His college performance made him one of the most sought-after arms in the 2010 MLB Draft, where he was selected fifth overall by the Cleveland Indians. That moment marked the beginning of a journey that would take him across nearly a decade and a half of Major League success.

Drew Pomeranz MLB Career Highlights

Over his twelve-plus seasons in the majors, Drew Pomeranz has built a résumé most pitchers dream of. His breakout 2016 campaign with the San Diego Padres earned him his first and only All-Star selection, while his contributions to the 2018 Boston Red Sox helped the team secure a World Series title. Despite injuries that sidelined him in parts of later seasons, his resilience has been remarkable.

Now in 2025, Pomeranz has found new life with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 2.17 ERA across 57 appearances and emerging as a critical bullpen piece. His recent postseason form, including clean innings in the NLDS, shows that even at 36, he can still deliver under pressure. With Game 5 on the line, the veteran lefty’s experience and poise might be exactly what the Cubs need to punch their ticket to the next round.

Conclusion

From his Ole Miss glory days to the bright lights of October baseball, Drew Pomeranz’s career embodies longevity, resilience, and quiet excellence. His 2025 season with the Cubs has reminded fans that even in a sport dominated by youth, experience can still tip the scales. As he takes the mound in the NLDS decider, Pomeranz isn’t just pitching for a win, he’s pitching for legacy. Whether the Cubs advance or not, his comeback story stands as one of the most inspiring arcs in modern baseball.