Headlines

  • Anthony Volpe Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
  • Alex Bregman Will Opt Out Of Red Sox Contract
  • Mike Shildt Steps Down As Padres Manager
  • Tigers Extended Manager A.J. Hinch Earlier This Season
  • Munetaka Murakami To Be Posted This Offseason
  • Cody Bellinger To Opt Out Of Contract With Yankees
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Athletics
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2026-27 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2026
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Angels Sign Brian Johnson

By Steve Adams | June 22, 2021 at 8:14am CDT

Left-hander Brian Johnson, who had been pitching for the Milwaukee Milkmen of the independent American Association, has signed a minor league pact with the Angels, per an announcement from the Milkmen (Twitter link).

Johnson, now 30 years old, was the No. 31 overall draft pick by the Red Sox back in 2012 and rated as one of the organization’s top pitching prospects over the next six years. The lefty dealt with shoulder, hip and elbow injuries throughout his time with the Sox, however, which combined to limit his effectiveness. He was a serviceable option with the Red Sox from 2017-18 before struggling in 2019 and ultimately going unclaimed on waivers. Boston released him in 2020, after the left-hander pitched to a 4.74 ERA in parts of four seasons at the MLB level (171 innings).

Johnson made just two appearance for the Milkmen this season, during which time he hurled five shutout innings with seven hits, no walks and eight strikeouts. He’ll presumably head to the Angels’ Salt Lake affiliate in Triple-A — a level at which he’s pitched to a 3.21 ERA with a 20.2 percent strikeout rate and a 9.0 percent walk rate over the life of 278 innings.

The Angels have had far better health in the organization in 2021 than they have in recent years. Reliever Luke Bard is currently the only pitcher on the Major League injured list for the Halos, but many of their veteran arms have struggled. Jose Quintana (7.22) and Dylan Bundy (6.68) have career-worst ERA marks, while Griffin Canning (5.07), Andrew Heaney (4.45) and Alex Cobb (4.41) have more passable but still-underwhelming results. Cobb, in particular, has had some poor luck in terms of balls in play and stranding runners, though his 21.2 K-BB% and 60.6 percent grounder rate are both excellent.

Johnson adds yet another experienced left-handed arm to an Angels organization that is deep in southpaw options. In addition to Quintana and Heaney, the club currently has Patrick Sandoval, Tony Watson, Alex Claudio and Jose Suarez on the MLB roster. Dillon Peters and Jose Quijada are both on the 40-man roster but currently in Triple-A, while Thomas Pannone and Packy Naughton give the Halos another pair of non-roster options down in Salt Lake.

Share Repost Send via email

Los Angeles Angels Transactions Brian Johnson

Mets’ Joey Lucchesi Diagnosed With UCL Tear
Main
Cardinals Select Lars Nootbaar, Designate Bernardo Flores Jr.
View Comments (30)
Post a Comment

30 Comments

  1. Rangers29

    4 years ago

    The milkmen? Ok, I guess.

    1
    Reply
    • Ducky Buckin Fent

      4 years ago

      WI = “America’s dairyland”

      But…yeah.

      2
      Reply
  2. prov356

    4 years ago

    At least the Angels are consistent when acquiring pitching. Yet another middle aged pitcher hoping for a bounce back to what appeared to be a mediocre career.

    6
    Reply
  3. backhandinbaptist

    4 years ago

    He’s been…Thunderstruck!!!

    9
    Reply
    • Joe says...

      4 years ago

      Congrats to Brian Johnson. He can have a drink on me.

      9
      Reply
    • AHH-Rox

      4 years ago

      He’s Back, but not in Black unless the Angels change their uniform design.

      4
      Reply
    • burtgummer

      4 years ago

      Why ??
      Hells Bells

      2
      Reply
      • BSHH

        4 years ago

        Just one of those guns for hire, but money talks. But now I stop, before the Furor comes!

        Gruß,
        BSHH

        Reply
    • ellisburks

      4 years ago

      That takes some Big Balls. (I know that is sung by Bon Scott, I just wanted to participate.)

      2
      Reply
    • raiders

      4 years ago

      I knew some other smart @ss would beat me to it

      Reply
      • raiders

        4 years ago

        Lol

        Reply
  4. JoeBrady

    4 years ago

    As a RS fan, I always found Johnson very interesting. He’s had two years with a 106 ERA+, and his career is a 96. There might be 50 guys that have lingered in the league for 5-10 with stats like that. He had a CG SO of Seattle on 5/28/17 with a 8/0 K/W.

    It just feels like he should be a competent #5, or at worst, a good #6. I wish him the best of luck.

    7
    Reply
    • solaris602

      4 years ago

      He’ll fit right in because that basically describes everyone else in that rotation.

      1
      Reply
  5. JerryBird

    4 years ago

    Being a lefty has always been an advantage to longevity. I hope he can stick around for a while.

    1
    Reply
  6. qbass187

    4 years ago

    Countdown to TJS begins…

    Reply
  7. whyhayzee

    4 years ago

    There is talent. He overcame anxiety issues. He was a serviceable pitcher. Good luck to him.

    2
    Reply
    • User 4245925809

      4 years ago

      Those anxiety issues were the final blow to his career, if it was ever going to materialize. 4 pitches, none better than average. No out pitch. Threw his FB upper 80’s to 90-91mph.

      Was very good vs the NYY for some reason several times in starts, but overall? About as good as the other 1st rounder Boston had that year.. Devon Marrero.

      Reply
      • Horace Fury

        4 years ago

        Didn’t Brian Johnson make a real contribution alongside Hector Velasquez as swingman arms on the 2018 WS-winning club? That alone makes Johnson’s value to the Sox much greater than what Marrero was finally able to provide (little).

        1
        Reply
        • User 4245925809

          4 years ago

          Emergency starter and swingman, as that he was useful and I mentioned several of those were vs NY where he was very good that year. Velazquez? His forkball was better than average, which may have put him above BJ also, then he threw a tad harder also as remember.

          Nothing against him personally, in fact he’s 1 of those Lakeland, FL guys, who am always inclined to root FOR most of the time being where have been (area) for decades and the city has produced more than it’s share of MLB players for it’s size.

          Reply
  8. DODGER JR

    4 years ago

    Just another of the long line of Artie “99 Cent” Moreno’s bargin basement specials.

    1
    Reply
  9. A'sfaninUK

    4 years ago

    “The Milkmen” – incredible name, lets break it down:

    -Honest, conservative job = opposite to the dishonest trash (can) teams we have now.

    -Could be used to imply that they are everyones daddy, as the joke is milkmen were known to go door to door, impregnating wives while husbands were at work.

    -If the hitters are mashing, they can chant “MILK MILK MILK” as in “milk the pitching for runs” = superior/more funny than the racist stuff the Braves fans do but act like its not because team sports fans are not very intelligent as a whole, lol

    -Could use any number of The Dead Milkmen songs as theme music or walkup music for the players.

    -Easy jersey modification for honoring MLK

    Cleveland Milkmen? Doesn’t match Milwaukee’s “dairy” reputation, but who cares, lets go!

    2
    Reply
    • BuJoBi

      4 years ago

      Awesome

      Reply
    • Jubilee3333

      4 years ago

      You are on fire my friend. ON FIRE!

      Reply
  10. Halo11Fan

    4 years ago

    In this free agent market there was no excuse for not trying to fix the bullpen. Perry cost the Angels any chance this season. The bullpen debacle can be 100% blamed on Perry the Platypus.

    And for those that don’t know, Perry the Platypus is a pop culture reference of a do nothing pet, who when no one is looking, turns into Agent P. I’m still hoping Perry the Platypus will turn into Agent P, but he seems completely clueless, so I doubt he will.

    1
    Reply
    • BuJoBi

      4 years ago

      Not a Angel’s fan, but it’s horrible watching them waste Mike Trout. I hope something changes and we get to see Trout on the biggest stage

      Reply
    • trout27

      4 years ago

      A lot of the pitching staff has Maddon’s fingerprints all over it. Cobb, Quintana, Guerra, Claudio, Cishek, Jessie Chavez and more all pitched for Joe in Chicago or TB.

      Reply
  11. Northeasternskier

    4 years ago

    Yes, Johnson was a contributor to the 2018 success, but he seemed to go dead-arm in September and was left off the post season roster. Red Sox voted him a full share and he paid off his parent’s home mortgage. Brian showed a lot of heart that year especially pitching in Yankee Stadium. Hope he figured it all out and becomes a late-bloomer. He’s only 30.

    Reply
  12. Ron Tingley

    4 years ago

    Poor guy doesn’t even get a pitcher picture.

    Reply
  13. orange2001

    4 years ago

    For those about to rock….

    Reply
  14. Rsox

    4 years ago

    Johnson never seemed to find a role in Boston. Outside of 2018 he just bounced back and forth between the Sox and AAA. Maybe he will have better luck with the Angels

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Anthony Volpe Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

    Alex Bregman Will Opt Out Of Red Sox Contract

    Mike Shildt Steps Down As Padres Manager

    Tigers Extended Manager A.J. Hinch Earlier This Season

    Munetaka Murakami To Be Posted This Offseason

    Cody Bellinger To Opt Out Of Contract With Yankees

    Angels, Albert Pujols Discussing Managerial Deal

    Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2026

    Rangers Hire Skip Schumaker As Manager

    Albert Pujols To Interview For Angels’ Managerial Vacancy, May Be “Leading Choice”

    Bill Schmidt Will Not Return As Rockies’ GM

    Brian Snitker Will Not Return As Braves’ Manager In 2026

    Angels To Have New Manager In 2026

    Rays Sale To Patrick Zalupski’s Group Officially Completed

    Guardians Promote Chase DeLauter For Wild Card Series

    Bruce Bochy Will Not Return As Rangers Manager Amid Financial Uncertainty

    Liam Hendriks Undergoes Ulnar Nerve Transposition Surgery

    Twins Fire Rocco Baldelli

    Giants Fire Bob Melvin

    Pirates Sign Manager Don Kelly To Extension

    Recent

    A.J. Preller Discusses Padres’ Rotation

    Latest On Mike Shildt’s Resignation As Padres Manager

    Diamondbacks Hire J.R. House As Third Base Coach

    Albert Pujols Expected To Interview For Orioles’ Managerial Opening

    Rocco Baldelli Interested In Managing Again

    Devin Williams: Open To Reunion With Yankees

    Nine Players Elect Free Agency

    Twins Claim Ryan Kreidler

    Twins To Interview Nick Punto About Managerial Vacancy

    NPB’s Rakuten Eagles Re-Sign Luke Voit

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Every MLB Trade In July
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Tim Dierkes' MLB Mailbag
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2026-27 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2026
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version