The Cubs have added right-handed pitcher on a minor league contract, according to MLB.com’s transactions page.
He was originally drafted by the Mariners in the 15th round of the 2017 draft and was traded to the Rays the following year in the deal for Alex Coloma. He spent several seasons in Tampa Bay’s system before making his major league debut in 2022, but struggled, allowing a 7.71 ERA in just 4 2/3 innings. The Rays designated him for assignment soon after, and although the Nationals claimed him off waivers, his struggles continued in Washington, where he surrendered six earned runs over 3 2/3 innings. He remained on the Nationals’ 40-man roster through the end of the 2022 season but was non-tendered in November.
He later re-signed with Washington on a minor league deal and served as a swingman for their Triple-A affiliate in 2023. His performance there was underwhelming—posting a 5.44 ERA with a high 15.2% walk rate. However, he found better success with the Giants organization later that year, putting up a 3.14 ERA and a 22.1% strikeout rate across 72 2/3 innings at Triple-A Sacramento. Those numbers are especially notable given the hitter-friendly conditions of the Pacific Coast League. Over his minor league career, he holds a 3.08 ERA, with 2023 being the only season in which he posted an ERA above 3.24.
Despite that strong track record, Tommy Romero started 2025 outside of affiliated baseball, joining the Mexican League’s Guerreros de Oaxaca. He struggled there as well, giving up a 7.27 ERA in two starts before being released. Now back in affiliated ball with the Cubs, he may serve as rotation depth in the organization. While he’s unlikely to fill the shoes of injured frontline starters Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, Romero could step in for other sidelined pitchers like Javier Assad and Brandon Birdsell.
Additionally, with top prospect Cade Horton and veteran Chris Flexen recently promoted to the majors, Chicago now has open spots in its Triple-A rotation that Romero could fill. The current big league rotation includes Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, Ben Brown, Colin Rea, Horton, and Flexen—a mix of injury-prone veterans and young arms with innings limits. That situation increases the chances for someone like Romero to get a call-up, though pitchers like Jordan Wicks and Connor Noland likely remain higher on the depth chart.
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