Dodgers Reportedly Showing Interest in Bringing Back Ryan Brasier

While the Dodgers aren’t planning on making massive moves within their bullpen this offseason, the front office is still looking at different ways to improve the pitching staff. Dodger relievers were among the best in baseball during the second half of 2023, helping spark the team to 100 wins.

Most of the key pieces are still on the roster. Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Caleb Ferguson, Alex Vesia, Victor Gonzalez and Yency Almonte are all under team control. Joe Kelly has agreed to return on a one-year deal. The Dodgers are showing interest in a few relievers on the open market, but few moves are necessary to upgrade the bullpen as a group.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic is reporting that the Dodgers have shown interest in bringing back reliever Ryan Brasier. He joined the Dodgers in June on a minor league deal after being released by the Boston Red Sox. Now, the 36-year-old right-hander is a free agent.

“…They’ve kept tabs on reliever Ryan Brasier’s market so far this winter, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Brasier allowed just six runs (three earned) in 38 2/3 innings after the Dodgers signed him midseason.”

Per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic

Brasier was one of the better relief options for the Dodgers in the second half of the season and he completely revitalized his career. The veteran added a cutter to his repertoire once he joined the Dodgers, leading to a performance above and beyond his time with the Red Sox.

During his time with LA, he posted an ERA of 0.70 and a WHIP of 0.72 over 39 games. Braiser also struck out 38 batters in 38.2 innings of work.

In light of the injuries to veteran right-handers Blake Treinen and Daniel Hudson, Brasier became a trusted member of the bullpen, and the Dodgers might want to retain him. But he also might have priced himself out of what president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is willing or able to pay him.

Brasier will turn 37 next season, so there’s no guarantee he can replicate his production. Prior to landing in Southern California, he was awful with the Red Sox, posting an ERA of 7.29 over 20 games. 

We’ve seen other relief pitchers expand their free agent markets by joining the Dodgers – Chris Martin comes to mind as a recent example – and it seems as if Brasier has done the same. His brief success as a Dodger might have set him up to land a lucrative contract elsewhere.

Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!