After bolstering their bullpen with the additions of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, the Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a roster dilemma, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. With only one spot remaining on their 40-man roster, the team is exploring trade options right-hander Ryan Brasier to create space.
The Dodgers’ offseason moves have been impressive, but their attractiveness as a destination has created a challenge. After trading top prospect Diego Cartaya to the Minnesota Twins, the team has just one open spot on their 40-man roster. With the signings of Scott and Yates, another move is necessary to clear space.
Furthermore, the Dodgers are expected to re-sign Clayton Kershaw for the 2025 season, and Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki will likely have his minor league contract upgraded before the season begins, adding to the roster crunch.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who need to clear space on their 40-man roster for their new and pending additions, are shopping some of their surplus to teams, including veteran Ryan Brasier, who is owed $4.5 million this year.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 22, 2025
Dodgers Weighing Ryan Brasier Trade
Brasier signed with the Dodgers for the rest of the season. He then went on to pitch 38 2/3 innings for them giving up only 3 earned runs in that span. This led to him getting a two-year, $9 million contract to return to the Dodgers for 2024. This past year he pitched 28 innings to a 3.54 ERA and missed three months with a calf strain.
Brasier offers a low-cost option with upside, despite ongoing injury concerns. His four-pitch mix makes it challenging for hitters to anticipate his next move. Notably, opposing hitters barreled just 3.8% of balls against him in 2023, ranking him among the top 5% of pitchers. However, Brasier’s velocity has declined. His average fastball speed dropped from 95.8 mph in 2022 to 94.5 mph in 2023, likely due to injuries. Additionally, his age remains a topic of discussion, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future prospects.
Essentially, Brasier represents a low-risk, one-year commitment worth $4.5 million. The Dodgers are unlikely to demand a significant return, given the team’s roster crunch. This makes Brasier an attractive, short-term solution for teams seeking to avoid costly free-agent deals.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Option
The Dodgers’ roster reshuffling is unlikely to end with the trade of Brasier. Space will naturally open up as the season approaches. Notably, Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw aren’t expected to be added to the roster until near Opening Day.
As teams begin spring training, injuries will inevitably arise, creating opportunities for the Dodgers to adjust their roster. Additionally, six pitchers currently on the 40-man roster are slated to start the season in Triple-A. This group includes Bobby Miller and Landon Knack, who could bring value in trades. Others might be eligible to pass through waivers.
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