Left-handed starting pitcher Austin Gomber was released by the Colorado Rockies back in August and the 31-year-old sounded like a broken man a few days before he was let go. The Chicago Cubs have provided Gomber with a safe landing spot, signing Gomber to a minor league deal and assigning him to Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs.
Gomber was part of the trade between the Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, when Colorado dealt Nolan Arenado to the NL Central club. Gomber, along with four minor leaguers were sent to the Rockies in exchange for the star third baseman. As the headliner, there was a lot of pressure on Gomber to perform and obviously pitching in Colorado made the task a lot more challenging. Unfortunately for Gomber things never quite worked out in a Rockies' uniform.
After posting a 1.86 ERA in 29 innings during the 2020 season with the Cardinals Gomber returned to the starting rotation with the Rockies in 2021. The lefty made 23 starts and threw 115.1 innings in what turned out to be Gomber's best season with Colorado. He recorded a 4.53 ERA, had a 44.3 ground ball rate and 23.2 K% rate. Then, from 2022-25, Gomber posted a 5.50 ERA in 486.1 innings all with the Rockies.
The 2025 season has been a nightmare for Gomber as the left-hander put up a 7.49 ERA in 12 starts. His final appearance with the Rockies was on Aug. 19, when he gave up seven earned runs on nine hits in three innings of work against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After the game Gomber sounded like his spirit had been completely shattered.
The Rockies released Gomber on Aug. 22, but the Cubs scooped him up on Aug. 26.
On Tuesday, Gomber made his debut in the Cubs' organization as he made the start for the Iowa Cubs in Triple-A. The 31-year-old was great against Omaha Storm Chasers. Gomber gave up a pair of hits and a walk, but he struck out five batters in five innings, earning the win.
Similar to the minor league signing of Joe Ross, the Cubs probably want to see if there's something there with Gomber and maybe if they feel they can make adjustments with him, then they'll think about bringing him back in 2026. Gomber will be a free agent following the 2025 season.
