Cleveland Guardians Shore Up Bullpen With Three New Arms
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BusinessSportsMoneyCleveland Guardians Shore Up Bullpen With Three New ArmsByBernie Pleskoff,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bernie Pleskoff is a former professional Major League Baseball scout Follow AuthorDec 16, 2025, 03:00am ESTLos Angeles Angels pitcher Connor Brogdon throws out a Kansas City Royals batter in the seventh inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Wally Skalij)Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reservedThe Cleveland Guardians have spent the offseason shoring up their bullpen.While it is no secret the Guardians need right-handed hitters, the team has spent resources on replacing departed bullpen arms.Gone from Cleveland’s successful 2025 bullpen are both right-hander Jakob Junis and lefty Kolby Allard, not to mention the loss of Emmanuel Clase regarding his illegal gambling investigations.The St. Louis Cardinals claimed right-handed reliever Zak Kent off waivers from the Guardians.Relievers Nic Enright, and Sam Hentges were not offered contracts.So Cleveland went on the search for relief help for the 2026 season, and beyond.The Guardians have added right-handed relievers Connor Brogdon, Peyton Pallette, and Colin Holderman.Fans may not have heard of these three relievers, but the Guardians have a stellar reputation for identifying, signing, and developing under-the-radar pitchers.One might be unwise to question the wisdom in signing the trio.Here is some information about the three new right-handed Guardians pitchers:MORE FOR YOUCLEARWATER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Connor Brogdon #75 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait during photo day at BayCare Ballpark on February 22, 2024 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Getty ImagesConnor Brogdon: 6-5, 205 pounds, Age 30Brogdon was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies with their 8th pick in the 10th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.Signed out of Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho, Brogdon received a $5,000 sign bonus from Philadelphia.Brogdon pitched for the Phillies major league team from 2020-until he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 6, 2024. He was then obtained by the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent on December 23, 2024.Last year with the Angels, Brogdon threw in 43 games, all in relief. He compiled a 5.55 ERA, and 1.34 WHIP in 47 innings with the Angels. He struck out an average of 9.38 hitters per nine innings, while walking 3.45 hitters per nine.He has a career 13-10 record, with a 4.36 ERA in 186 games, covering 192 innings.Brogdon’s role is likely in middle relief, similar to that of Jakob Junis.Brogdon’s 2026 contract with Cleveland will be at $900,000.fangrpahs.com lists Brogdon’s repertoire to be a fastball/changeup/and cutter. He is working on improving his changeup as a potential “out” pitch.GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 20: Peyton Pallette of the Chicago White Sox poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch on February 20, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)Getty ImagesPeyton Pallette: 6-1, 190 pounds, Age 24Peyton Pallette: Pallette was drafted by the Chicago White Sox out of the University of Arkansas in the 2nd round of the 2023 MLB draft.The White Sox gave Pallette a 1.5M signing bonus as pick number 62 overall.The Guardians claimed Pallette in the Rule-5 MLB draft at the Winter Meetings in December 2025.Like Brogdon, Pallette seems headed for a middle-relief role with Cleveland. He must remain on the Guardians 26-man roster the entire season, or be offered by the White Sox for $50,000, which is half of what Cleveland paid for Pallette in the Rule-5 draft.fangraphs.com lists Pallette’s repertoire to be a fastball, curveball, and changeup, with his changeup being rated his best overall pitch.Like many young pitchers, Pallette needs work on his command and control, but the upside is evident in his projections.BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 11: Colin Holderman #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)Getty ImagesColin Holderman: 6-6, 250 pounds, Age 30The Guardians signed Holderman as a free agent in December 11, 2025.Holderman was drafted by the New York Mets in the 9th round of the 2016 MLB draft, out of Heartland Community College.It is important to note that Holderman had Tommy John surgery in April 2018.Holderman made his MLB debut with the Mets on May 15, 2022.The Mets traded Holderman to the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 2022.Holderman throws both two, and four-seam fastballs, a slider and a changeup.Last year, Holderman threw 25.2 innings out of the Pirates bullpen, pitching to a record of 0-2, with a 7.01 ERA in 24 appearances.The Guardians have assigned him to Triple-A Columbus initially, but he is on their 40-man roster.It is likely the Guardians will be working on his command and control this coming spring, giving himself a chance to join the Guardians bullpen at some point in the future.Holderman is signed to a 1-year, $1.5M contract with Cleveland, so they do have some financial investment in his progress.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video