The Milwaukee Brewers have taken a step to enhance their pitching depth by signing left-handed pitcher Drew Rom to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training. This move comes after the team retained Brandon Woodruff through a qualifying offer, marking a cautious approach in the current free agency period.
While the Brewers have not made any headline-grabbing signings, their recent activity includes a trade that sent Isaac Collins and Nick Mears to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Angel Zerpa. Despite ongoing trade rumors surrounding players like Freddy Peralta, he remains with the team as of now.
According to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Rom, a former fourth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 2018, has joined the Brewers following a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals. He made eight starts in the major leagues during the 2023 season, posting a record of 1-4 with an earned run average (ERA) of 8.02 and a WHIP of 2.08. Rom opted for free agency on November 6, 2023, after his time with the Cardinals.
Rom’s journey to the Brewers reflects a series of trades and challenges. He was traded to St. Louis from Baltimore in a deal that involved veteran pitcher Jack Flaherty. After making his debut in the majors, Rom faced setbacks, including a shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 season. In 2025, he returned to action, making seven minor league starts for the Cardinals, with a more respectable 3.86 ERA over 23 1/3 innings pitched.
For Milwaukee, acquiring Rom represents a low-risk opportunity to bolster their pitching resources. At just 26 years old, he offers potential upside, especially if he performs well during Spring Training. The minor league contract allows the Brewers to evaluate his capabilities without significant financial implications. Should he excel in camp, he could provide valuable support at the Triple-A level or even make an impact on the major league roster.
This signing reflects the Brewers’ strategy of making calculated moves rather than pursuing high-profile free agents. While not a transformative addition, Rom’s presence could help strengthen the team’s pitching depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
