Veteran relief pitcher was designated for assignment by LA last Thursday. Cubs get cash in the deal, and will send a player to be named later or cash to Dodgers.
The Dodgers on are trading veteran relief pitcher Ryan Brasier and cash to the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later or cash considerations, finding a new home for the right-hander who was designated for assignment last Thursday.
The move was first reported by Jeff Passan on ESPN, and confirmed by several others.
Brasier, who signed a two-year contract with the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season, has one year and $4.5 million remaining on the deal.
It’s been a busy offseason for the Dodgers in many ways, including adding several high-strikeout pitchers to the staff, including free agent deals for Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. After the latter, Brasier was the casualty with a full 40-man roster, designated for assignment on January 30 to clear space.
Roster space is limited in a bullpen that also brought back Blake Treinen in addition to returnees Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Anthony Banda. Those four plus Scott and Yates cannot be sent to the minors. Alex Vesia is the only member of the main bullpen septet with an option year remaining, but is unlikely to be sent down given his performance. That pushed the 37-year-old Brasier, who also can’t be sent to the minors, further down the depth chart, and is why he’ll be pitching elsewhere now.
During his season and a half with the Dodgers, Brasier had a 1.89 ERA and 2.83 FIP in 68 appearances, with 63 strikeouts and 15 walks in 66⅔ innings.