Guardians Secure Veteran Reliever with Major League Contract
Cleveland’s MLB team, the Guardians, has strengthened their bullpen by signing right-handed pitcher Connor Brogdon to a major league contract for the 2026 season. This strategic move comes as the Guardians seek to enhance their relief options.
Contract Details and Performance History
Brogdon, age 30, has a record of 3-2 with a 5.55 ERA across 43 relief appearances for the Los Angeles Angels in the 2025 season. Over his six-year career in Major League Baseball, he has achieved a 13-10 record in 186 games, with a 4.36 ERA and an average of 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
- Contract Value: $900,000 for the 2026 season.
- Control Period: Guardians control Brogdon through the 2027 season, with free agency available in 2028.
Previous Teams and Performance Highlights
Selected in the 10th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, Brogdon spent parts of four seasons there before moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. His tenure with the Phillies was notable, particularly from 2021 to 2023, where he pitched in 130 games with an impressive 3.51 ERA and 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
His peak season was in 2021, marked by:
- Career-high holds: 11
- Strikeouts: 50
- Appearances: 56
- Innings pitched: 57 2/3
Injury and Recent Moves
In April 2024, Brogdon was traded to the Dodgers but had limited impact due to a 60-day injured list stint for plantar fasciitis. After being released in November 2024, he signed with the Angels and joined their lineup in May 2025. His performance included allowing 22 earned runs over 37 1/3 innings in 37 games. He was released in August but re-signed in September to finish the season.
Physical Profile and Fit with the Guardians
Brogdon stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds, which aligns with the Guardians’ recruitment of powerful pitchers. He joins fellow towering pitchers, including:
- Hunter Gaddis (righty, 6-foot-6)
- Tim Herrin (lefty, 6-foot-6)
- Cade Smith (righty, 6-foot-5)
Initially recognized for a fastball that averaged 96 mph, Brogdon also utilizes a changeup and a cutter effectively. With veteran right-hander Jakob Junis entering free agency, acquiring a reliable arm like Brogdon is crucial for the Guardians as they aim to maintain a strong bullpen and successfully manage late-game situations.
