Former Trash Panda Brett Kerry Launched to the League by the Angels

MADISON, AL. – Former Rocket City Trash Pandas right-hander Brett Kerry has been promoted to the Los Angeles Angels and is in line to make his Major League debut, becoming the 51st former Trash Pandas player to reach the Major Leagues.

Kerry spent parts of four seasons with Rocket City from 2021-24 and left as one of the most accomplished pitchers in franchise history. The Clemmons, N.C., native ranks first all-time among Trash Pandas pitchers in wins (13), innings pitched (292.1), strikeouts (310), and starts (49), while posting a 3.76 ERA across his Rocket City career.

Selected by the Angels in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of South Carolina, Kerry was a member of Rocket City's inaugural team and made history as the club's Opening Day starter in 2022. He continued to establish himself as one of the organization's top pitching prospects, earning Southern League Pitcher of the Month honors in August 2023.

Kerry has spent the 2026 season with Triple-A Salt Lake, appearing in 14 games, including 11 starts. The 27-year-old recorded 59 strikeouts over 62.1 innings, earning his first call-up to the Major Leagues.

Should Kerry appear in a game for the Angels, he would become the 48th player used by Los Angeles this season and the 51st former Trash Pandas player to make his Major League debut. He would also be the fifth former Trash Pandas player to make his Major League debut in 2026, joining Walbert Ureña (March 26), George Klassen (April 5), Coleman Crow (April 17), and Samy Natera Jr. (June 6).