Phillies give up on key 2022 World Series reliever for lefty strikeout machine from Dodgers

The Philadelphia Phillies have finally cut ties with former postseason hero Connor Brogdon. On Saturday afternoon, the team announced it had dealt the right-hander to the Los Angeles Dodgers for left-handed pitcher Benony Robles.

Brogdon was an integral part of the Phillies' 2022 team, which made a surprising run to the World Series after squeaking into the playoffs as the third Wild Card. The 29-year-old pitched to a 3.27 ERA in 44 regular-season innings before showing out in the postseason with a 2.08 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 8 2/3 innings. He dominated the Houston Astros in the World Series, with seven strikeouts and three hits in four scoreless innings.

Since then, Brogdon has fallen on hard times. He appeared in 27 games for the Phillies last season with a 4.03 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. Sadly, this year was an unmitigated disaster for him. He gave up seven runs (six earned) on three hits and six walks over just two innings. The final straw was his extra-innings stinker against the Cincinnati Reds when he gave up the game-winning grand slam. The Phillies designated him for assignment the next day.

Phillies acquire left-hander with big strikeout numbers

Brogdon will attempt to find what made him great for the Phillies with his new team while the Phillies acquire a young lefty with a high strikeout upside in Robles. The 6-foot-4 reliever can get his fastball up to 94 mph and features a slider and changeup as his secondary pitches.

The 23-year-old native of the Dominican Republic hasn't pitched above High-A but has been in the Dodgers system since 2018. He spent all of 2023 with the High-A Great Lakes Loons of the Midwest League, where he pitched to a 3.86 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 32 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. He picked up 12 saves with his big strikeout stuff, registering 53 punchouts for a 14.9 K/9. He still has some work to do with his command, as he also ran a 5.2 BB/9.