The Cleveland Guardians have designated right-handed pitcher Connor Brogdon for assignment to make room for the promotion of righty Franco Aleman. The move was confirmed by MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins and follows the recall of Aleman to the major league roster.
Brogdon, 31, signed a major league deal with the Guardians in the offseason worth $900,000. That figure was just above the MLB minimum of $780,000 and came as a bit of a surprise given his limited 2024 season and rocky 2025 campaign with the Los Angeles Angels, where he posted a 5.55 ERA in 47 innings.
Cleveland likely had hope for Brogdon after a slight velocity rebound in 2025, with his fastball averaging 95.5 mph. That was up from 92.8 mph in 2024, a year marred by injuries. Statistically, Brogdon showed some promise with a 24.6% strikeout rate and a 9% walk rate. His 3.86 SIERA suggested better underlying performance than his ERA showed.
But 2026 has been a different story. Brogdon’s velocity has dipped again, settling at 94.5 mph. His strikeout rate has fallen to 20.9% and the long ball remains a concern. Through 15 1/3 innings this season, he has a 5.28 ERA and has not provided the impact Cleveland hoped for.
With no remaining options, Brogdon is now subject to waivers. The Guardians have up to five days to explore trade interest before Brogdon’s status is finalized. If he clears waivers, he would likely accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus to collect the remainder of his $900,000 salary.
Brogdon’s service time is another factor. He entered the season with four years and 90 days of service and has added another 44 days this year. He remains 38 days short of five years of service, which would allow him to reject an outright assignment and elect free agency without forfeiting his remaining salary.
The Guardians are making a roster adjustment with a clear goal: to bring in Aleman, a 27-year-old righty who has shown promise in the minors. The move signals Cleveland’s intent to keep its bullpen competitive as the season unfolds.
The next step for Brogdon will be determined within the next five days, depending on trade interest and waiver activity.
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