Slam! That’s the sound of a baseball hitting a catcher’s mitt and the sound of a major trade deal hitting home base. That’s right, folks, the Cubs have just acquired the fantastic right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier, along with a healthy amount of the cash, from the Dodgers. ‘A player to be named later or cash considerations’ is what the Cubs had to part with to bring in this hard-throwing asset. To make room for this new addition, the team had to make the tough decision to designate left-handed pitcher Rob Zastryzny for assignment.
What Ryan Brasier Brings to the Cubs
Brasier, sporting a ripe age of 37, was in a tricky spot last week after being designated for assignment when the Dodgers brought on Kirby Yates. But let’s not forget that Brasier has served up some sizzling fastballs and curveballs when his health was on point. His move to the Dodgers from the Red Sox in June 2023 saw him chalk up an impressive 0.70 ERA with 38 strikeouts over a stretch of 38 2/3 innings – now that’s a relief pitcher with some serious heat!
Last season may have seen Brasier in not quite razor-sharp form, with an ERA of 3.54 across 28 innings. Yet, you can’t downplay the fact that he managed to keep his walk rate at a career-low 4.5% despite dealing with a right calf strain that kept him off the field for over three months. Moreover, his impressive 34.8% chase rate surpassed the league average of 28.5% by a mile.
An original sixth-round draft pick by the Angels back in 2007, Brasier boasts a strong track record with a career ERA of 3.85 across 285 1/3 innings. Add to his portfolio some extensive playoff experience gained from his six-year stint with the Red Sox, which won him two World Series, and you have a seriously valuable addition to any team.
As he gears up to swing into his ninth MLB season, Brasier is stepping up as a notable new recruit to the Cubs’ remodeled bullpen. This revamped crew now includes free-agent catch Caleb Thielbar and the traded-from-elsewhere duo of Eli Morgan and Ryan Pressly. With such a powerhouse bullpen, it looks like Wrigley Field is in for a scorching season.
So, what’s the verdict, Cubs fans? Are you excited about this story? A big welcome to Ryan Brasier, the latest star to wear the Cubs’ blue.
