Former Phillies playoff hero inks minor league contract with Angels.

Former Phillies playoff hero inks minor league contract with Angels.

Once a key piece of the Philadelphia Phillies‘ bullpen during their 2022 World Series run, Connor Brogdon is looking to bounce back after a tough stretch. The right-handed reliever has signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels, with hopes of making a return to the majors. Assigned to the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees, Brogdon, who turns 30 later this month, might get the chance to prove himself at spring training in February.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connor Brogdon, selected by the Phillies in the 10th round of the 2017 draft, made his MLB debut in 2020 and has since compiled 145 career innings, boasting a 3.97 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. The right-hander showcased impressive stuff in 2021 and 2022, logging 57 1/3 and 44 innings out of the bullpen, respectively, with a combined 3.36 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, including a stellar 10.23 K/9 in 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brogdon’s postseason performance in 2022 was particularly memorable. He pitched 8 2/3 innings, allowing just two earned runs while striking out 13 and walking two. His four-inning World Series appearance against the Houston Astros stood out, as he struck out seven without issuing a walk. With a 2.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and an impressive 39.4 percent strikeout rate during the playoffs, Brogdon looked poised to be a key bullpen asset for the Phillies in their championship window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things took a turn for Connor Brogdon after his strong postseason run. In 2023, he made 27 appearances, posting a 4.03 ERA. However, his struggles deepened at the start of the 2024 season. Brogdon appeared in just three games, giving up seven runs (six earned) in two innings of work. Unable to regain his form, the Phillies traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers for left-handed pitching prospect Benony Robles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brogdon made just one appearance for the Dodgers before landing on the IL with plantar fasciitis. While he earned a World Series ring for his time with the team, he hit the free-agent market after declining a minor league assignment in November. Now, Brogdon is aiming to make a comeback and prove himself in 2025. We wish him the best of luck in his pursuit of a major league return!