The Chicago Cubs traded for Ryan Brasier from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, adding the right-handed pitcher to their bullpen after the Dodgers cut him last week.
The Cubs are sending either a player to be named later or cash to the Dodgers for Brasier, who had a 1-0 record and a 3.54 ERA in 29 games last season, including four starts. The Dodgers also sent cash to the Cubs as part of the deal.
Brasier was designated for assignment after the Dodgers signed Kirby Yates to a one-year contract last Thursday.
The Cubs have been busy trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020, especially by improving their bullpen. They traded for Eli Morgan and Ryan Pressly before acquiring Brasier. The team also got Cody Poteet from the New York Yankees in the Cody Bellinger trade.
Brasier, 37, is in the second year of a two-year contract worth $4.5 million and can become a free agent after the World Series. He didn’t pitch for the Dodgers from April 27 to August 17 due to a strained right calf he suffered during pregame warmups.
Brasier made his major league debut with the Angels in 2013. After being released by the Boston Red Sox in May 2023, he signed with the Dodgers and posted a 1.89 ERA in 68 appearances with the team.
For his career, Brasier is 10-8 with a 3.85 ERA and 10 saves in 297 games.
To make room for Brasier on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Rob Zastryzny was designated for assignment.
