In a strategic move to fortify their bullpen, the Chicago Cubs enlisted the services of right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier from the Los Angeles Dodgers. This acquisition, confirmed by various sources including ESPN, marks the latest chapter in a notably active offseason for the Cubs as they aim to elevate their competitiveness in the coming season. The decision to acquire Brasier comes after the seasoned reliever, aged 37, was placed on the designated list following the Dodgers’ acquisition of fellow relievers Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott, which effectively crowded out Brasier from a position in a formidable Los Angeles bullpen.
A significant contributor during the 2023 postseason for the Dodgers, Brasier showcased his potential by pitching nine critical innings as part of the team’s successful run to the World Series title. His regular-season performance was commendable as well, evidenced by a 3.54 earned run average (ERA) across 28 innings pitched. Notably, the trade comes at a time when the Cubs are capitalizing on the opportunity to enhance their pitching corps, following a series of well-considered additions aimed at strengthening their team dynamics.
In addition to Brasier, the Cubs have been active this offseason, acquiring closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros and bolstering their rotation with right-hander Eli Morgan. Chicago’s most significant transaction involved the acquisition of outfielder Kyle Tucker, a player recognized as a perennial MVP candidate, highlighting the club’s ambition to augment their roster with high-impact talent. They further reinforced their lineup by signing left-hander Matthew Boyd to a lucrative two-year deal and making other calculated signings to ensure depth across their pitching staff.
Brasier exhibits an arsenal that includes a mid-90s fastball along with a biting slider and cutter – weapons that have proven effective, especially in high-pressure situations. While there was a slight decrease in his fastball velocity last season, his control remained impeccable, with only five walks against 25 strikeouts. However, the specifics of what the Cubs surrendered to acquire Brasier are still undisclosed. With his contract worth $4.5 million for this season, he enters a competitive race for bullpen spots as spring training rapidly approaches.
The Cubs will witness an interesting race for relief pitching roles, with Brasier joining others like Pressly, Morgan, and Caleb Thielbar. The return of right-hander Porter Hodge—who earned closer duties towards the latter end of the previous season—alongside Tyson Miller, who boasted an impressive 2.15 ERA in 50⅓ innings, adds further intrigue. The bullpen landscape could include additional potential candidates like Nate Pearson and Julian Merryweather, ensuring that the Cubs will have diverse options as they finalize their roster for the new season. Overall, the Cubs’ investments hint at a thoughtful strategy geared toward reclaiming competitiveness in the tight races of Major League Baseball.