As first reported by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Oakland Athletics have signed LHP Brett Anderson to a minor league deal.
In the @sfchronicle: A’s, Brett Anderson agree to minor-league contract https://t.co/dgD5Es8lt5 via @sfchronicle
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) March 20, 2018
Brett Anderson signs minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics
Anderson began his professional career in 2006 when he was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft. In December 2007, Anderson was traded to the Athletics and made their opening day roster for the 2009 season.
Oakland Athletics
Anderson’s first year in the majors was a bit of a mixed bag. While he finished the season with an 11-11 record and a not-so-fantastic 4.06 ERA, he was also able to rack up 150 strikeouts and broke the A’s record for most strikeouts for a single season by a rookie pitcher. His high strikeout totals also led to Anderson finishing sixth in Rookie of the Year voting. He also finished 2009 with a 1.283 WHIP and a 3.69 FIP, indicating that his season was not as bad as his ERA might imply.
Anderson would go on to play for the A’s for five seasons before being traded to the Colorado Rockies for pitchers Drew Pomeranz and Chris Jensen. In his time in Oakland, Anderson had a 3.81 ERA, 1.283 WHIP, 3.56 FIP, 357 strikeouts and 26 wins.
Colorado Rockies
Anderson’s time in Colorado would be plagued by injuries, suffering from a broken finger, back spasms, and finally, a season-ending back surgery to repair a herniated disc. After only making eight starts in Denver, the Rockies declined his option and allowed Anderson to become a free agent.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Anderson agreed to a one-year $10 million deal for the 2015 season. In his first year in Los Angeles, Anderson pitched very well, finishing with a 3.69 ERA and 116 strikeouts. The season was good enough for Anderson to earn another year with the Dodgers, but 2016 would not be as kind to him as 2015 was. Anderson would have to have back surgery again and would miss a considerable amount of time. Though he did rejoin the team in August, he only made three starts for the Dodgers that year and finished with an 11.91 ERA.
Post-LA
In January 2017, Anderson signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs worth $3.5 million but was DFA’d in July. On August 15, he signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays and made seven starts for the Jays after being called up in late August.
Main Photo
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