The Los Angeles Dodgers have made headlines recently by right-handed pitcher Connor , making him a free agent. This decision, while significant in terms of roster moves, is part of the team’s broader strategy to manage their roster flexibility and create room for potential upgrades. In this article, we’ll explore the details surrounding Brogdon’s career, his time with the Dodgers, and the implications of this move.
Connor is a right-handed pitcher who was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 10th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. quickly rose through the minor league ranks thanks to his solid pitching mechanics and a fastball that can reach the mid-90s. By 2020, he had made his major league debut with the Phillies, contributing to their bullpen in a variety of roles, primarily as a reliever.
Brogdon’s early career showed promise. He posted a solid ERA of 3.43 in his rookie season, appearing in 13 games. Over the next few seasons, was able to hold his own in the majors, showcasing his ability to handle high-leverage situations. However, despite flashes of brilliance, his consistency was often in question. His strikeout rate remained decent, but his control was an issue at times, which resulted in a fluctuating performance.
The Dodgers acquired Connor in a trade from the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 2024 season. The move was seen as part of the Dodgers’ ongoing efforts to bolster their bullpen depth. Los Angeles has long been known for its ability to maximize the value of pitchers, and was seen as a player who could thrive under the team’s developmental system.
was added to the Dodgers’ roster with the expectation that he could contribute as a versatile bullpen arm. The team, with its historically strong pitching infrastructure, was hopeful that could refine his control and improve his overall consistency. However, Brogdon’s time with the Dodgers proved to be short-lived.
means that the Dodgers have removed him from their 40-man roster, and he is now a free agent. This is often a move made when a team no longer sees a fit for a player on the major league roster but doesn’t want to risk losing him entirely. It is also a way for teams to free up space for new players or for younger talent to be added.
Several factors likely contributed to the Dodgers’ decision to outright . First and foremost, struggled to consistently find success in Los Angeles, failing to carve out a permanent role in the bullpen. Despite having a strong fastball, his command and overall performance were inconsistent, and the Dodgers’ bullpen is highly competitive, filled with pitchers who have earned trust in high-leverage situations.
Additionally, the Dodgers are always looking for ways to improve their roster, and the team has a proven track record of finding undervalued players who can contribute. With a deep farm system and a focus on player development, it’s possible that Brogdon’s potential did not align with the team’s immediate needs. As a result, the Dodgers may have felt it was time to part ways.
For Connor , being represents a crossroads in his career. He is now a free agent, meaning he can sign with any team that shows interest in him. Brogdon’s time with the Dodgers may have been brief, but it’s possible that other teams will see his potential and take a chance on him. His fastball, when located well, is an effective pitch, and his experience in the majors could still hold value for teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
At this stage of his career, will likely need to find a team that believes in his ability to improve his control and command. If he can refine these aspects of his game, he could still find a role as a reliable middle reliever or setup man, potentially even earning high-leverage opportunities down the li
For the Dodgers, the decision to outright allows them to open up a spot on their 40-man roster. This could be crucial as the team looks ahead to potential moves during the off-season or the 2024 season, whether that’s adding new talent via trade, free agency, or promotions from their minor league system. The Dodgers are known for their strong pitching development, so this decision may also reflect a desire to focus on younger, more controllable talent or to make space for a player that fits better into their long-term plans.
In the broader context, the Dodgers are always focused on optimizing their roster, and this move fits within their well-known philosophy of roster flexibility and continuous improvement. Brogdon’s departure is just one of many small but significant decisions that can shape the team’s future success.
Connor Brogdon’s outright by the Dodgers is a reminder of the constantly evolving nature of major league rosters. The move allows to become a free agent, potentially leading to a new opportunity with another team. For the Dodgers, it’s a strategic decision that clears space for other players and reflects their ongoing focus on building a competitive roster. While Brogdon’s time with Los Angeles was brief, he may still have a chance to carve out a role elsewhere in Major League Baseball, with the potential to thrive in a different environment or system.
