No. 7: Connor Brogdon
Connor Brogdon appeared in his fewest amount of games last year (27) with Philadelphia since his first season in 2020. Unless there was an injury to a reliever, such as when José Alvarado went on the IL with elbow inflammation back in May, Brogdon wasn't used frequently by the club like he was in 2022 and 2021.
The right-hander had a 2-1 record, 4.03 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts in 29 innings in 2023. Brogdon appeared in 26 contests, two of them starting, with Lehigh Valley. In 28 innings, he had 34 strikeouts, a 5.46 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and a 1-1 record. He did not appear in any games with the Phillies last postseason after appearing in seven during the 2022 playoffs.
Connor Brogdon, Wicked Changeups. 👌👌
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 4, 2022
5Ks in 2 ip. pic.twitter.com/D9BrhqOxI6
He is another player with no remaining minor-league options and will compete with several other right-handed relievers in spring training who do not have a spot secured yet. The 29-year-old may find himself back in Lehigh Valley or with another club if he doesn't clear waivers.
There are too many other available options to guarantee Brogdon a spot on the Opening Day roster, especially with the additions of Turnbull, Rucker, Allard, and Castillo. The other relievers who were with the team last year, such as Covey, Marte, and Ortiz, are also vying for the last open spots.
Factoring in the possibility that Orion Kerkering is another candidate to begin the season with Philadelphia, the amount of open bullpen spots reduces from three to two. Brogdon could make the roster at the start of the regular season, but his past performance, the amount of competition, and the lack of available bullpen spots make him far from a guarantee to start 2024 with the Phillies.