Guardians Ink Veteran Free Agent Reliever to Major League Contract Ahead of Season

Guardians Add Veteran Reliever Connor Brogdon to Bullpen

The Cleveland Guardians have signed free agent reliever Connor Brogdon to a major league contract for the upcoming season. This move strengthens their bullpen depth with a player who brings both experience and versatility to the pitching staff.

Brogdon, a right-handed pitcher, finished last season with the Los Angeles Angels posting a 3-2 record and a 5.55 ERA in 43 relief appearances. Over six MLB seasons, he has accumulated a 13-10 record and a 4.36 ERA in 186 games. He averages 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings, showcasing his ability to miss bats.

The Guardians added Brogdon without needing to clear a spot on their 40-man roster, as two spots were already available. His contract is valued at $900,000, and Cleveland maintains control of his services through the season before he becomes eligible for free agency the following year.

Originally drafted in the 10th round by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017, Brogdon pitched parts of four seasons with the Phillies. Between 2021 and 2023, he made 130 appearances, striking out 8.7 batters per nine innings and maintaining a strong 3.51 ERA during that span. His peak campaign was in 2021, when he set career highs in holds (11), strikeouts (50), appearances (56), and innings pitched (57⅔).

In April, Brogdon was traded to the Dodgers but appeared in only one game before going on the injured list with plantar fasciitis. He was released later that year and signed a minor league contract with the Angels for the next season. After joining the Angels’ bullpen, he pitched 37⅓ innings in 37 games, surrendering 22 earned runs.

The 6-foot-6, 205-pound pitcher complements Cleveland’s hard-throwing relief corps, which includes towering pitchers like Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith. Brogdon’s repertoire features a fastball that averaged 96 mph early in his career, accompanied by a changeup and cutter.

With veteran reliever Jakob Junis entering free agency, the Guardians targeted a reliable bullpen arm who can handle innings and bridge to their late-inning options. Brogdon, primarily a reliever, also offers starting experience if the team requires additional flexibility with the pitching staff.