Rationalizing the Ryan Brasier decision in the crowded Dodgers bullpen – The Athletic

I can definitely help you generate a 2000-word article on rationalizing the Ryan Brasier decision in the crowded Dodgers bullpen, although I’ll need to provide it in multiple responses to stay within the word count. Let’s break it down into different sections for clarity and flow.

Introduction: The Dodgers’ Crowded Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen has long been a key component of the team’s success. Known for its depth and versatility, the bullpen is often where games are either won or lost, with relievers frequently stepping in during tight situations to secure victories. As the 2025 MLB season approaches, the Dodgers find themselves with an even more congested bullpen. The influx of new talent, combined with the emergence of younger arms, has forced the team to make difficult decisions about who will make the roster and how roles will be assigned.

Among the most scrutinized decisions is the inclusion of veteran reliever Ryan Brasier. After a successful career with the Boston Red Sox, Brasier’s move to the Dodgers in 2025 brought with it a certain level of intrigue. However, in a bullpen already filled with high-caliber talent, one of the most pressing questions surrounding Brasier is: what is his role, and how does he fit into an increasingly crowded relief corps?

In this analysis, we will dive deep into the factors that influence the decision to keep Brasier on the roster, examining his performance, the team’s bullpen dynamics, and how his unique skill set might serve the Dodgers’ needs in the coming season.

The Dodgers’ Bullpen: Strength in Numbers

At the start of 2025, the Dodgers boast one of the most formidable pitching staffs in the league. With stars like Clayton Kershaw leading the rotation and an array of power arms in the bullpen, the team’s pitching depth is among the deepest in Major League Baseball.

However, this depth also presents challenges for manager Dave Roberts and the front office. The Dodgers must balance the performance of their established stars with the development of younger pitchers, while also managing workloads to ensure they don’t overtax key arms.

The bullpen is particularly important in this equation. With games often decided by a few key innings late in the contest, the Dodgers have no shortage of options, but this abundance can also create tough decisions. Every player on the roster must earn their spot, and the competition for bullpen spots in 2025 is fierce.

Veterans like Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips are likely locks for significant roles in high-leverage situations. At the same time, young arms like Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone offer tantalizing potential. This crowded group makes it all the more difficult to assess what role Brasier can realistically expect to play.

Ryan Brasier: The Veteran Reliever

Before delving into how Brasier fits with the Dodgers, it’s important to understand what the team is getting in the 36-year-old right-hander. Brasier, who made his MLB debut in 2014 with the Oakland Athletics, spent the bulk of his career with the Boston Red Sox. In his time with Boston, Brasier was a steady, if unspectacular, presence in the bullpen.

Throughout his career, Brasier’s fastball has been his calling card. Ranging in the low to mid-90s, his four-seam fastball consistently generates weak contact, which allows him to limit hard-hit balls. While his strikeout rate isn’t as high as some other power arms, Brasier excels at managing hitters and avoiding costly walks. His control is one of the reasons he has remained effective in the big leagues despite not possessing overwhelming velocity.

In addition to his fastball, Brasier also utilizes a slider and a curveball, though neither pitch is a dominant offering. His approach, therefore, revolves around mixing his pitches effectively and keeping hitters off balance. He tends to do well against right-handed batters, a split that will be important for the Dodgers as they look to optimize their bullpen matchups.

Over the last few seasons with the Red Sox, Brasier’s ERA fluctuated, but he showed flashes of effectiveness, particularly in high-leverage situations. His experience in big moments, particularly during Boston’s 2018 World Series championship run, could be invaluable to a Dodgers team with postseason aspirations.

The Decision to Add Brasier: Rationale and Need

So why did the Dodgers bring Brasier into the fold, given the crowded nature of their bullpen? The rationale behind adding a veteran like Brasier to a high-performing bullpen is multi-faceted.

1. Experience and Leadership: One of the most obvious reasons for adding Brasier is his experience. In a bullpen filled with younger, less seasoned arms, Brasier provides a calming, steady presence. His time with the Red Sox, where he pitched in multiple postseason games, brings a wealth of experience that could be crucial in big moments.

   The Dodgers, like every contender, need veteran leadership in their bullpen. In the postseason, it’s not always about having the flashiest stuff but about having the right mentality in the most high-pressure situations. Brasier’s presence in the clubhouse could serve as an important stabilizing force, particularly for the team’s younger pitchers who are navigating the rigors of a full season.

2. Versatility and Depth: Another reason for adding Brasier is his versatility. Although he’s primarily worked as a middle reliever throughout his career, Brasier has shown the ability to handle a variety of roles. Whether it’s bridging the gap between the starter and closer or providing key outs in the later innings, Brasier’s adaptability is a valuable asset for the Dodgers.

   The team’s crowded bullpen doesn’t necessarily have to mean fewer opportunities for Brasier. While his role may be less defined than other relievers, his ability to pitch in multiple situations increases his value. The Dodgers could use him in the sixth or seventh innings, where his ability to avoid walks and limit damage could be critical to keeping the game within reach.

3. Complementing the Dodgers’ Strengths: The Dodgers are known for their ability to leverage data and matchups to their advantage. Brasier’s effectiveness against right-handed hitters could be a useful tool in a bullpen that otherwise might be skewed toward pitchers who excel against lefties. His ability to neutralize right-handed bats could allow the Dodgers to optimize their matchups late in games, particularly in a division like the NL West, where they often face strong right-handed lineups.

The Crowded Bullpen: How Does Brasier Fit?

Despite the advantages Brasier brings to the table, the Dodgers’ bullpen depth presents significant challenges. With several established arms already locked into high-leverage roles, how does Brasier carve out his niche? Let’s look at some of the key questions surrounding his role:

1. Role in High-Leverage Situations: The Dodgers’ bullpen is anchored by pitchers who are already accustomed to closing games or pitching in high-leverage situations. Evan Phillips, for example, emerged as a reliable closer for the Dodgers in 2024, and Graterol is often called upon to get key outs in the late innings. Brasier, whose career has been more about middle relief and setup duties, might not have the same role in 2025.

   However, there’s a possibility that Brasier could emerge as a situational reliever, called upon in specific matchups to get critical outs. For instance, he could be used to face tough right-handed hitters late in games, allowing Roberts to deploy his bullpen in an optimal fashion.

2. Matchup Potential and Strategy: The Dodgers have long excelled at exploiting matchups, particularly with their bullpen. Brasier’s ability to handle right-handed batters well makes him a potential weapon in the right spots. If the Dodgers face a team with a potent right-handed lineup, Brasier could be a useful option in the middle innings to bridge the gap to their higher-leverage arms.
3. Competition from Younger Arms: With the emergence of younger pitchers like Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, and others, the competition for bullpen spots is fierce. These pitchers bring high upside and could be seen as part of the Dodgers’ future. Brasier, at 36 years old, may not have the same long-term value as some of the younger arms, but he offers reliability and experience that might give him the edge in certain situations.