The Angels have signed right-hander Connor Brogdon to a minor league deal, based on his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He has been assigned to Triple-A Salt Lake for now however will presumably obtain an invitation to massive league spring coaching.
Brogdon, 30 this month, had a strong run with the Phillies earlier in his profession however has confronted some vital challenges extra just lately. From 2020 to 2022, he logged 113 innings for Philadelphia, permitting 3.42 earned runs per 9. He struck out 25.1% of batters confronted whereas solely giving out walks at a 7.3% clip. He was trusted sufficient to earn three saves and 16 holds in that point.
However issues began to development down in 2023. He posted a 4.03 ERA in 29 innings that yr, although the underlying numbers have been extra regarding. His stroll charge ticked as much as 10.2% whereas he was solely punching out 20.5% of opponents. The Phillies optioned him in June and he had a 5.46 ERA in Triple-A the remainder of the way in which.
2024 was then principally a misplaced season because of accidents. He was designated for task by the Phils in April and claimed by the Dodgers, with the latter membership placing him on the injured listing just a few days later because of plantar fasciitis. He began up just a few rehab assignments all year long however didn’t come off the IL till the season was over, getting outrighted off the roster in November and electing free company.
It’s clearly been a tough couple of years however maybe the persistent foot issues provide some rationalization. If Brogdon can put these behind him and get again to his earlier kind, he can be a pleasant discover, particularly on a no-risk minor league deal. He confirmed some promise throughout his rehab assignments final yr, throwing 13 innings with a 3.21 ERA, 34.4% strikeout charge and eight.2% stroll charge. If he can earn his method right into a roster spot, he’s out of choices however he has lower than 4 years of main league service time, that means he might be retained past 2025 by way of arbitration if he’s holding a roster spot at season’s finish.
