Dodgers DFA Actually Good Reliever Ryan Brasier

To make room for the Kirby Yates signing, the Los Angeles Dodgers have designated Ryan Brasier for assignment. The news made my eyebrows raise when I saw it, because Brasier, is actually a good reliever. One who was already signed to a big league deal. And one in whom the Cubs had interest a year ago.

Brasier, 37, was a late-bloomer, taking into his mid-30s to really find footing in the big leagues. He was a stud in 2023 between the Red Sox and Dodgers, though, which is what got him that interest last offseason. Ultimately, Brasier re-signed with the Dodgers on a two-year, $9 million deal. He dealt with a serious calf injury in 2024, though, which limited him to just 28.0 innings of 3.54 ERA ball. The peripherals were still good (19% better than league average by FIP-), and it’s notable that he was very good in the final month and a half of the season after returning from the calf injury: 2.76 ERA, 1.94 FIP, 16.1 IP. He did get bit by the long ball in the postseason, for what that’s worth.

Overall, what I’m saying is that this is not a guy who’d get dumped, especially when he’s owed $4.5 million for 2025. He’s a guy who’d, you know, just be in your bullpen.

But the Dodgers now have such a super extreme overload of pitching that they’re having to let go of guys like this. I don’t think Brasier gets claimed on waivers with that contract, but I absolutely do wonder if a team will approach the Dodgers about a trade. Consider that, if he clears waivers, and then signs with another team, the Dodgers will save only the MLB minimum salary. But what if you would like to “sign” Brasier to a one-year, $1 million deal? (And you absolutely should want to do that!) – you could offer the Dodgers a little bit of cash and a modest prospect in trade for Brasier right now, and they’d save more money than if he were released. (That’s especially true because of the luxury tax implications – the Dodgers are paying a 110% tax on all payroll right now. Assuming they care about money at all.)

Taking that a step further, I have to wonder if the Dodgers already knew they could find a taker for Brasier – at a reduced price – which is why they DFA’d him now. The relief market is moving, and there might be a team that missed out on other targets that still likes Brasier. Could the Cubs have interest? Maybe. Or maybe they would be among the teams that hopes Brasier clears waivers and then they could try to get him on a minor league deal. That, too, is possible this time of year as budgets and rosters get very full.

I’m just saying, keep an eye on this one. I could at least imagine a world where the Cubs jump on the opportunity to get a reliever they liked on the cheap, and use the savings to further bolster the roster elsewhere.

(Alternatively, the Cubs could just go ahead and sign David Robertson and that would be fine, too.)