The Cleveland Guardians have one of the best bullpens in baseball. However, even the best things can be improved. With that in mind, they have acquired a former Los Angeles Angels reliever.
The Guardians announced that they have signed right-handed pitcher Connor Brogdon.
“We have signed RHP Connor Brogdon to a one-year Major League contract. Welcome to Cleveland, Connor,” the Guardians wrote on X.
He will reportedly make $900,000 next season. The Guardians had vacant roster spots, so they didn’t have to make any corresponding move to create room for him.
The 30-year-old signed a minor league contract with the Angels last season. He was called up a couple of times during the campaign, but was subject to waivers. In 43 appearances, he pitched 47 innings and posted a 5.55 ERA.
Those numbers aren’t impressive, but then again, the Guardians are known for their ability to develop and polish pitchers, and his underlying metrics, such as a 9 percent walk rate and a 24.6 percent strikeout rate, are close to league average. He was prone to the home run, giving up 11, and that’s something to keep an eye on.
Brogdon’s four-seam fastball averaged 95.5 mph, and there’s plenty to work with there. Of course, the team will have to tame the expectations. But with his reasonable salary, and an elite coaching staff, there are reasons to feel excited about him as a low-risk/high-reward pickup for the organization.
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