The Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Tommy Romero to a minor league contract, as noted on his MLB.com transactions page.
Romero, now 27, was originally drafted by the Mariners in the 15th round of the 2017 draft. He was dealt to the Rays in 2018 as part of the trade that sent Alex Colomé to Seattle. Romero spent several years developing in the Rays’ system before making his major league debut in 2022. His initial stint in the majors was rough—he posted a 7.71 ERA over 4 2/3 innings with Tampa Bay and was soon designated for assignment. The Nationals claimed him off waivers, but he struggled even more in Washington, surrendering eight runs (six earned) in just 3 2/3 innings. Although the Nationals kept him on the roster through the end of that season, they non-tendered him in November.
Nonetheless, the Nationals brought him back on a minor league deal. In 2023, Romero served as a swingman at Triple-A but had mixed results, compiling a 5.44 ERA and a high 15.2% walk rate. Later that year, he joined the Giants and found better success. Pitching for their Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento, he recorded a 3.14 ERA over 72 2/3 innings with a 22.1% strikeout rate and a 12.4% walk rate—solid numbers made more impressive given the offense-heavy Pacific Coast League. Overall, Romero has a career 3.08 ERA in the minors, with 2023 being his only season above 3.24 at any level.
Despite his track record, Romero didn’t start the 2025 season in affiliated ball. Instead, he joined the Mexican League’s Guerreros de Oaxaca, but was hit hard, posting a 7.27 ERA in two starts. Now back stateside, Romero joins the Cubs’ system and may serve as organizational depth. While he’s not expected to replace top arms like the injured Justin Steele or Shota Imanaga, he could step in for other sidelined pitchers like Javier Assad or Brandon Birdsell. Recent promotions of Cade Horton and Chris Flexen to the majors have also opened up slots in the Triple-A rotation, possibly giving Romero a chance to contribute.
With a major league rotation that includes veterans prone to injury and young pitchers on innings limits, the Cubs could need extra help throughout the season. Though Romero sits behind other depth options like Jordan Wicks and Connor Noland, he could still find his way to the majors if enough opportunities arise.