A’s Claim Drew Rom

The Athletics have claimed left-hander Drew Rom off waivers from the Brewers, per a club announcement. The A’s already had an opening on the 40-man roster, so no corresponding 40-man move was necessary. Milwaukee had designated Rom for assignment over the weekend.

Rom, 26, was a 2018 fourth-rounder by the Orioles. Baltimore traded him to St. Louis in 2023’s Jack Flaherty swap, but the Cards only gave him eight big league appearances in ’23 and never took another look. Injuries played a significant role in that, as a biceps and shoulder issue eventually led to Rom undergoing surgery early in the 2024 campaign. He missed the entire season and only made it back to the mound for 23 1/3 minor league frames in 2025. The Cards removed Rom from the 40-man roster last November, and he signed a minor league deal with Milwaukee in December.

The Brewers selected Rom to the 40-man roster in early June. He’s been recalled and optioned a few times since, but Milwaukee’s deadline additions combined with an injury to shortstop Cooper Pratt to force Rom out of the picture.

Rom has previously worked primarily as a starter, but the Brewers put him in a bullpen role this season and he’s run with it. The lefty has pitched 41 innings in relief at the Triple-A level this season, logging a 2.20 ERA, 36.1% strikeout rate and 6.5% walk rate in that time. He’s also pitched 5 2/3 big league frames, allowing two runs on six hits and four walks with 11 strikeouts. Rom has never been a hard thrower, but his formerly 90-91 mph four-seamer is averaging 92.5 mph as a reliever this year.

Rom will finish the season with under two years of major league service time and with one minor league option year remaining. Between that club control, remaining option year and general Triple-A excellence, he seemed like he’d be scooped up quickly on waivers. It’s a bit surprising that both the Angels and Rockies passed, but the Athletics had the third priority when Rom hit the wire and will happily bring him into the fold.

The Athletics aren’t shy on left-handed bullpen depth. They have Hogan Harris, Brady Basso and veteran Jose Suarez all in their big league bullpen at the moment. Suarez has soaked up some innings in a long role but will be a non-tender candidate this winter. Harris has been working as manager Mark Kotsay’s closer recently. Basso only has 17 2/3 MLB frames on the season and was only recalled to the majors a month ago. Rom gives the A’s another option — one with plenty of club control and some particularly intriguing results following a move to short relief.