Dodgers Make Trade, Send Standout Reliever to Cubs

The Los Angeles Dodgers are trading right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier to the Chicago Cubs, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Brasier was designated for assignment last week, and now has a new home.

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The Dodgers DFA’d Brasier to make room for All-Star right-handed reliever Kirby Yates. Brasier had been a trade candidate for the last few weeks, but the team wasn’t able to find a trading partner before making the Yates signing official.

Per MLB’s rules, though, the Dodgers had a week to find a trading partner for Brasier. The Cubs decided to skip the waiver line and add Brasier, meaning the Dodgers will get something in return for the standout reliever.

Brasier, 37, joined the Dodgers midway through the 2023 season. After struggling mightily with the Boston Red Sox to the tune of a 7.29 ERA in 2023, he enjoyed an incredible midseason turnaround, sporting a 0.70 ERA over his last 39 appearances.

Brasier then re-signed with the Dodgers on a two-year, $9 million deal last offseason.

Injuries derailed his 2024 season, though, as he made just 29 appearances, sporting a 3.54 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 28 innings.

He then struggled in the postseason, allowing five earned runs across eight appearances for a 5.00 ERA.

The Dodgers didn’t necessarily want to move on from Brasier, who’s owed a very affordable $4.5 million in 2025. However, they saw the opportunity to raise the floor of the bullpen by adding Tanner Scott and Yates, and took it, leaving Brasier as the odd man out.

“I think just kind of the timing of it,” general manager Brandon Gomes said of the decision. “Obviously, Brasier has been great for us. As we look out, how the bullpen is built and potentially needing some flexibility down the road, unfortunately (Brasier) was the move.

“He’s been incredible for us. Great teammate, great dude. There’s a bunch of factors. It never feels good, but that was pretty much the reason.”

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