Jake Brigham

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Jake Brigham

| image = Military kids get pro tips (5408456) (cropped).jpg

| caption = Brigham at Osan Air Base in 2019

| team = Free agent

| number =

| position = Starting pitcher

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|2|10}}

| birth_place = Winter Garden, Florida, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = June 30

| debutyear = 2015

| debutteam = Atlanta Braves

| debut2league = NPB

| debut2date = April 14

| debut2year = 2016

| debut2team = Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles

| debut3league = KBO

| debut3date = May 18

| debut3year = 2017

| debut3team = Kiwoom Heroes

| debut4league = CPBL

| debut4date = March 19

| debut4year = 2021

| debut4team = Wei Chuan Dragons

| statleague = MLB

| statyear = 2015 season

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 0–1

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 8.64

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 12

| stat2league = NPB

| stat2year = 2016 season

| stat21label = Win–loss record

| stat21value = 0–3

| stat22label = Earned run average

| stat22value = 5.24

| stat23label = Strikeouts

| stat23value = 27

| stat3league = KBO

| stat3year = 2021 season

| stat31label = Win–loss record

| stat31value = 50–26

| stat32label = Earned run average

| stat32value = 3.63

| stat33label = Strikeouts

| stat33value = 557

| stat4league = CPBL

| stat4year = 2023 season

| stat41label=Win–loss record

| stat41value=26–16

| stat42label=Earned run average

| stat42value=2.37

| stat43label=Strikeouts

| stat43value=227

| teams =

Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2015}})
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles ({{npby|2016}})
Nexen / Kiwoom Heroes ({{by|2017}}–{{by|2020}})
Wei Chuan Dragons ({{by|2021}})
Kiwoom Heroes ({{by|2021}})
Wei Chuan Dragons ({{by|2022}}–{{by|2023}})

| awards =

CPBL

Taiwan Series champion ({{by|2023}})

}}

Jacob Daniel Brigham (born February 10, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2015 with the Atlanta Braves, and has also played for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Nexen / Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO League and for the Wei Chuan Dragons in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).

Career

=Texas Rangers=

Brigham attended Central Florida Christian Academy in Orlando, Florida, where he played for the school's baseball team.{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2005/05/12/cfcas-brigham-gets-attention/ |title=CFCA's Brigham gets attention|work=Orlando Sentinel |date=April 24, 2002 |access-date=November 15, 2013}}{{cite news|last1=Carter|first1=Andrew|title=CFCA has army of top-notch pitchers|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2006/05/02/cfca-has-army-of-top-notch-pitchers/|access-date=July 8, 2015|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=May 2, 2006}} He pitched a no-hitter in 2005, his junior season, against West Oak, though he allowed two unearned runs.{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2005/05/07/cfcas-brigham-throws-no-hitter/|title=CFCA's Brigham throws no-hitter|work=Orlando Sentinel|page=D.7|date=May 7, 2005 |access-date=November 15, 2013}} The Texas Rangers drafted Brigham in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft.{{cite news|last1=Carter|first1=Andrew|title=Sapp drafted 23rd by Astros|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2006/06/07/sapp-drafted-23rd-by-astros/|access-date=July 2, 2015|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=June 7, 2006}} They added him to their 40-man roster after the 2011 season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.{{cite news|title=Rangers add five former 'Dads to 40-Man Roster|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-26018476|access-date=July 2, 2015|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=November 21, 2011}}

=Chicago Cubs=

In July 2012, Brigham was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Geovany Soto.{{cite news|last1=Grant|first1=Evan|title=Rangers announce acquisition of Geovany Soto|url=http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2012/07/rangers-announce-acquisition-of-geovany-soto.html/|access-date=June 28, 2015|work=Dallas Morning News|date=July 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630171302/http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2012/07/rangers-announce-acquisition-of-geovany-soto.html/|archive-date=June 30, 2015|url-status=dead}}

=Second Stint with Rangers=

He was traded back to the Rangers for Barret Loux on November 20, 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-trade-jake-brigham-back-to-rangers-for-barret-loux-player-to-be-named/c-40385366 |title=Cubs trade Jake Brigham back to Rangers for Barret Loux, player to be named|work=MLB.com |date= |access-date=November 15, 2013}} He was non tendered by the Rangers on November 30{{cite news|title=Rangers do not tender contracts to Soto, Snyder, Brigham|url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/40483456/rangers-do-not-tender-contracts-to-soto-snyder-brigham|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701023923/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/40483456/rangers-do-not-tender-contracts-to-soto-snyder-brigham|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=November 30, 2012}} and became a free agent, but re-signed with the Rangers on a minor league contract.{{cite web|last=Davison |first=Drew |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02/24/4640903/spring-break-after-brief-stint.html |title=Spring break: After brief stint in Chicago, Jake Brigham is back with Texas|work=Star-Telegram |date= |access-date=November 15, 2013}}

Brigham became a free agent again after the 2013 season.{{cite web |url=http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2013/11/texas-rangers-minor-leaguers-hit-free-agent-market.html/ |title=The Dallas Morning News | Options |work=Dallas Morning News |date= |access-date=November 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112150956/http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2013/11/texas-rangers-minor-leaguers-hit-free-agent-market.html/ |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

He signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization for the 2014 season.{{cite web|url=http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20131120&content_id=64063716&vkey=pr_pit&c_id=pit|title=Pirates sign five minor league free agents|work=Pittsburgh Pirates|access-date=June 27, 2015|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203233900/http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20131120&content_id=64063716&vkey=pr_pit&c_id=pit|url-status=dead}}

=Atlanta Braves=

He signed with the Atlanta Braves' organization prior to the 2015 season. Brigham was called up to the majors for the first time on June 27, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/29423654/2015-m-brave-jake-brigham-promoted-to-atlanta|title=2015 M-Brave Jake Brigham promoted to Atlanta|date=June 27, 2015|work=msnewsnow.com|access-date=June 27, 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Braves call up Brigham to join bullpen|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/133248572/braves-call-up-jake-brigham-to-join-bullpen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629231221/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/133248572/braves-call-up-jake-brigham-to-join-bullpen|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2015|date=June 27, 2015}} Brigham made his Major League debut on June 30, 2015, pitching three innings against the Washington Nationals while striking out four batters and allowing only one hit.{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=After long wait, Brigham dazzles in debut|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/133907084/jake-brigham-dazzles-in-braves-debut|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702102152/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/133907084/jake-brigham-dazzles-in-braves-debut|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 2, 2015|access-date=July 1, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=July 1, 2015}} He elected free agency on November 6.{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=l_trn&lid=117|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421150258/http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=l_trn&lid=117|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 21, 2012|title=International League Transactions|page=November 2015|work=Minor League Baseball|access-date=November 6, 2015}}

=Detroit Tigers=

On December 11, 2015, Brigham signed a minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers.{{cite web|url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/12/11/detroit-tigers-prospects-roster/77151446/|title=Tigers sign 17 minor leaguers, invite 6 to camp|first=James|last=Jahnke|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=December 11, 2015|access-date=December 11, 2015}}

=Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles=

On December 18, 2015, the Tigers sold Brigham's rights to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.{{cite web|url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/12/18/detroit-tigers-jake-brigham/77574546/|title=Tigers sell Jake Brigham's rights to Japanese team|first=Anthony|last=Fenech|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=December 18, 2015|access-date=December 18, 2015}}

=Detroit Tigers (second stint)=

On January 10, 2017, Brigham signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers.{{cite news |url=http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/213231756/tigers-sign-22-players-to-minor-league-deals/ |title=Tigers sign Minors contracts with 22 players |work=MLB.com |first=Jason |last=Beck |date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=January 10, 2017 |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803085352/http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/213231756/tigers-sign-22-players-to-minor-league-deals/ |url-status=dead }}

=Nexen/Kiwoom Heroes=

On May 4, 2017, Brigham signed a contract with the Nexen Heroes of the KBO League.{{cite news|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2017/05/04/0200000000AEN20170504008700315.html|title=Nexen Heroes acquire ex-MLB pitcher Brigham|date=May 4, 2017|access-date=May 4, 2017|website=Yonhap News Agency}} Brigham signed a $650,000 contract for the 2018 season with the Heroes on November 24, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/michael-choice-jake-brigham-re-sign-with-kbos-nexen-heroes.html|title=Michael Choice, Jake Brigham Re-Sign With KBO's Nexen Heroes|last=Adams|first=Steve|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=November 24, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} On November 23, 2018, Brigham re-signed to a $900,000 contract with the team, now named the Kiwoom Heroes, for the 2019 season.{{cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20181123005000315|title=Nexen Heroes sign new foreign pitcher, retain two foreign players|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=November 23, 2018 |access-date=November 23, 2018}} Brigham posted a 13–5 record with a 2.96 ERA over 158.1 innings in 2019. On December 9, 2019, Brigham re-signed with Kiwoom for the 2020 season on a $950,000 contract.{{cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20191209002800315|title=Kiwoom Heroes bring back pitcher Jake Brigham for 4th season|author=Yoo Jee-ho|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=December 9, 2019|access-date=December 9, 2019}} Following the 2020 season, the Heroes announced they would part ways with Brigham, and he became a free agent.

=Wei Chuan Dragons=

On December 26, 2020, Brigham signed with the Wei Chuan Dragons of the Chinese Professional Baseball League for the 2021 season.{{cite web|url=http://cpblstats.com/dragons-sign-jake-brigham-drew-gagnon-junichi-tazawa/|title=Dragons Sign Jake Brigham, Drew Gagnon, Junichi Tazawa|work=CPBLStats.com|date=December 26, 2020|access-date=December 27, 2020}} On March 19, 2021, Brigham made his CPBL debut. Through his first four starts with the Dragons, Brigham pitched to a 0.42 ERA and 0.78 WHIP over 21.2 innings of work.{{cite tweet|number=1379322820262461441|user=GOCPBL|title=According to Korean media, the Wei Chuan Dragons have only signed Jake Brigham to a monthly contract and several KB… |date=April 6, 2021}}

=Kiwoom Heroes (second stint)=

On April 15, 2021, Brigham's contract was purchased by the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO League.{{cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210415008051315|title=KBO club Heroes reacquire pitcher Jake Brigham|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=April 15, 2021 |access-date=April 15, 2021}} In 10 starts, Brigham posted a 7–3 record with a 2.95 ERA. On September 4, 2021, Brigham parted ways with the club for personal reasons.{{cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210904002100315|title=KBO club Heroes part ways with pitcher Jake Brigham|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=September 4, 2021 |access-date=December 29, 2021}}

=Wei Chuan Dragons (second stint)=

On January 5, 2022, Brigham re-signed with the Wei Chuan Dragons of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.{{cite web|url=http://cpblstats.com/dragons-sign-bryan-woodall-jake-brigham-2022-season/|title=Dragons Re-Sign Bryan Woodall, Jake Brigham for 2022 Season|work=CPBLStats.com|date=January 5, 2022|access-date=January 6, 2022}} He made 29 starts for Wei Chuan in 2022, logging a 12-9 record and 2.71 ERA with 110 strikeouts in 182.1 innings pitched.

On May 9, 2023, it was announced that Brigham would miss 6-8 weeks after suffering a hairline fracture in his left foot.{{Cite web|title=Dragons' Jake Brigham Undergoes Foot Surgery|url=http://cpblstats.com/dragons-jake-brigham-undergoes-foot-surgery/|access-date=2023-05-11|website=cpblstats.com|date=May 9, 2023 |language=en}} He became a free agent following the 2023 season.

Personal life

Brigham and his wife, Taylor, have three daughters and a son {{cite web|url=http://www.wotimes.com/2015/06/cfca-alum-jake-brigham-gets-call-to-pitch-for-atlanta-braves/|title=CFCA alum Jake Brigham gets call to pitch for Atlanta Braves|first=Steven|last=Ryzewski|work=West Orange Times & Observer|publisher=Observer Media Group|date=June 30, 2015|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-date=August 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817130448/http://www.wotimes.com/2015/06/cfca-alum-jake-brigham-gets-call-to-pitch-for-atlanta-braves/|url-status=dead}}

He is the nephew of former White Sox catcher Ron Karkovice.{{cite news |title=Game Notes, April 20 vs. Frisco |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-29212844 |access-date=10 January 2022 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=April 20, 2012 |language=en}}