Fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers are proving they have no intentions of slowing down. With seemingly bottomless pockets, they’ve turned the offseason into their personal shopping spree, stockpiling elite talent at an unprecedented rate. Their latest splash? Signing All-Star closer Kirby Yates to a one-year, $13 million deal—just days after locking down fellow All-Star reliever Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million contract.
However, even the Dodgers can’t hoard every reliever. Roster space is still a thing, after all. To make room for Yates, Los Angeles has designated veteran right-hander Ryan Brasier for assignment, per Dodgers insider Fabian Ardaya.
Brasier had been a key bullpen piece over the past two seasons in LA. Despite injuries in 2024, he was a force in 2023, delivering a microscopic 0.70 ERA, 0.725 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts over 38.2 innings. His dominance earned him a two-year, $9 million contract before the 2024 season. But with the Dodgers’ latest bullpen overhaul, Brasier has suddenly become expendable.
Dodgers Likely to Trade Brasier Before Release
LA isn’t outright cutting ties with Brasier just yet. The club now has seven days to find a trade partner before he’s released, and given his track record, a deal is certainly possible. While Brasier remains a strong reliever, the Dodgers’ bullpen upgrades make him the odd man out.
Tanner Scott was one of the most sought-after relief arms at last year’s trade deadline, posting a 1.75 ERA, 1.125 WHIP, and an impressive 252 ERA+ between Miami and San Diego. He tallied 22 saves and was worth 4 bWAR in 2024.
Meanwhile, Yates despite being eight years older put up even better numbers, recording a jaw-dropping 1.17 ERA, 0.827 WHIP, 340 ERA+, and 85 strikeouts over 61.2 innings. The former Rangers closer also notched 33 saves and earned an All-Star nod, finishing eighth in AL Cy Young voting.
The Dodgers Are Building a Super Team… Again
With these powerhouse additions, it’s easy to see why LA is comfortable parting ways with a reliever as good as Brasier. The Dodgers have been throwing money around like a sailor on shore leave—but with an unmatched ability to identify elite pitching talent.
Beyond Scott and Yates, the Dodgers have also added Blake Snell and Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki to the rotation. And let’s not forget Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the mound in 2025.
While the rest of MLB fumes over their spending spree, LA is methodically building what could be a long-term dynasty. Some might argue they’re ruining baseball. But if you’re a Dodgers fan? They’re just getting started.
