The Chicago Cubs added a ton of depth to their bullpen to make it one of the better ones in the National League.
The acquisition that made the Cubs bullpen elite was acquiring All-Star closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros.
The Cubs could use another veteran reliever in the bullpen which both insiders and even President of Baseball Ops Jed Hoyer say would be the case.
The Los Angeles Dodgers just recently designated reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment and with the Cubs needing another vet Brasier would be a solid pickup.
The Dodgers DFA a promising reliever
The 37-year-old Brasier is a veteran of eight years in the Major Leagues pitching for the Boston Red Sox, the Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Angels was recently DFA’d according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Braiser has a really solid season for the Dodgers appearing in 29 games and making 4 starts with a 1-0 record and a 3.54 ERA in 28 innings pitched. In his two years with the Dodgers Brasier has a 1.89 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 66.2 innings.
“Sources: The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment.“
Sources: The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 31, 2025
The Chicago Cubs could use Brasier in the pen
Brasier would be a solid addition to have as an option for the sixth inning since he has a 3.86 ERA and 7 strikeouts in 9.1 innings. In just three innings pitched for the eighth Brasier was perfect with not allowing a run or a hit and striking out 3 when pitching in the eighth.
Having Brasier pair with Caleb Thielbar, Tyson Miller, Porter Hodge, and the newly acquired Pressly would further upgrade the Cubs bullpen. Brasier would add a four-pitch mix primarily being a fastball (29.4%)/slider (42.2%) occasionally adding in a sinker (16.3%) and a cutter (12%).
Brasier’s fastball sits at around 94.5 mph which is average for a reliever out of the pen. Pairing his craftiness with the power arms of Hodge and Pressly would be a tough task for hitters to take on. Given he can open games as well the Cubs could potentially look to use Brasier as a multi-innings reliever if needed. Having another possible swingman would add further depth for the Cubs.
The Cubs should claim Brasier quickly
The Dodgers have seven days to place Brasier on outright or irrevocable waivers, where he can be claimed by any team.
Given Brasier has more than five years of service time he will reject any outright assignment to the minors.
Given how dominant Brasier has been he should be moved quickly and the Cubs should jump on it.
The Chicago Cubs will need to pivot again in the relief pitching market
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