RHP Ryan Brasier is acquired by the Cubs from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ryan Brasier Acquired by the Cubs: A Strategic Move in Chicago’s Bullpen Overhaul

The Chicago Cubs made a significant move in their bullpen by acquiring right-handed pitcher Ryan Brasier from the Los Angeles Dodgers. In an offseason full of roster tweaks and strategic adjustments, this trade is seen as a calculated effort by the Cubs to strengthen their bullpen depth heading into the 2025 season. While the trade might not have garnered as much fanfare as some of the blockbuster deals around Major League Baseball (MLB), it highlights a key focus for the Cubs: improving their relief pitching and setting the stage for success in a competitive NL Central division.

This trade follows the Cubs’ goal of solidifying their pitching staff for the upcoming season, especially after a lackluster bullpen performance in 2024. Brasier, a 36-year-old veteran, is a seasoned reliever who brings reliability and experience, particularly in high-leverage situations. For the Cubs, his acquisition fits into a broader plan to retool their roster for a serious playoff push in 2025.

The Cubs’ Bullpen Needs and Challenges

The bullpen has been a significant area of concern for the Cubs in recent seasons. While their starting rotation has been relatively stable, the bullpen has lacked consistency, which often proved costly during crucial stretches of the season. The Cubs’ relief corps in 2024 struggled with issues such as blown saves, high ERA, and an inability to manage high-pressure situations. This led the Cubs to focus their attention on finding veteran arms who can provide stability and bridge the gap between the starters and the closer.

This focus became especially important after the departure of several key bullpen arms during the offseason. The Cubs’ front office sought proven pitchers who could handle the late innings and help protect leads. With Ryan Brasier, the Cubs are acquiring a pitcher who has experience in such high-leverage situations and a track record of getting outs when the game is on the line.

Ryan Brasier’s Career: A Reliable Veteran Presence

Ryan Brasier’s journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Over his career, Brasier has become known for his resilience and ability to succeed in difficult situations. After making his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, Brasier established himself as a reliable piece in the Red Sox bullpen during their World Series championship run that year. His fastball, which can reach the upper 90s, combined with his slider and occasional curveball, has made him a tough matchup for hitters.

In 2019, Brasier had one of the best seasons of his career, posting a 1.60 ERA in 56 games, a performance that solidified his place as one of the most trusted arms in the Red Sox’s bullpen. However, his performance has fluctuated in recent years, particularly after he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.

During his time with the Dodgers, Brasier was effective in certain situations but struggled at times with consistency. He posted a 3.70 ERA in 48 games and showed flashes of the dominant pitcher he had been in Boston. His ability to get ground balls and limit home runs remains an asset, but his command of the strike zone will be crucial moving forward. The Dodgers, with their deep roster, had less reliance on Brasier in high-leverage spots as they boasted a star-studded bullpen. As a result, the 36-year-old pitcher found himself in a less prominent role, making it easier for the Dodgers to move him to a team like the Cubs.

The Cubs’ acquisition of Brasier, while not a blockbuster deal, offers an opportunity to reclaim the form that made him such a valuable bullpen piece during his prime. Brasier brings a wealth of experience to the Cubs’ young bullpen arms, which should benefit their overall depth.

What Brasier Brings to the Cubs

1. High Leverage Experience: Brasier has a proven track record in pressure situations. He pitched in several key postseason games for the Red Sox, including the 2018 World Series. His experience in October baseball, where every pitch matters, will help stabilize the Cubs’ bullpen during the dog days of summer when every game feels like a must-win.
2. Strikeout Ability: Brasier has always been able to generate strikeouts when needed. His strikeout rate (K/9) has consistently been above average, making him a reliable option to come in and neutralize opposing hitters during tense moments in the game.
3. Ground-Ball Inducing Stuff: Another area where Brasier excels is his ability to generate ground balls. This is particularly valuable in tight games when any baserunner can be a game-changer. Ground-ball pitchers are essential in preventing long rallies and making quick outs, which is crucial in a bullpen role.
4. Increased Stability for Late Innings: The Cubs bullpen struggled in 2024 with consistency in the later innings, especially in securing games that were close or in extra innings. Brasier’s ability to stay calm under pressure and execute in tight spots makes him a valuable addition to the late-inning mix, particularly as a potential set-up man or a bridge to the closer.
5. Mentorship for Young Arms: Brasier’s veteran presence is invaluable to a team that is still in the process of building out a sustainable bullpen. His knowledge of the game, particularly his experience in handling tough situations, will be beneficial for the Cubs’ younger arms, such as pitchers like Justin Steele, who will be part of the long-term pitching plans for the team.

The Cubs’ Organizational Direction: A New Era of Contenders

The Cubs are in the midst of a rebuild and a transition toward becoming regular playoff contenders once again. After their historic 2016 World Series win, the Cubs fell on hard times, but they’ve started to turn things around in recent years. They have a solid foundation of young talent, including promising pitchers and position players who could form the core of the team for years to come.

In addition to strengthening their bullpen with Brasier, the Cubs’ front office has been active in adding pieces that can support their growing roster. Their starting rotation is led by the likes of Marcus Stroman and Justin Steele, and their offensive core features exciting players like Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki. However, the bullpen has remained a key area of focus for the team, and Brasier’s acquisition adds another piece to a bullpen that could have a solid mix of experience and youth.

The Cubs will likely look to complement Brasier with other acquisitions over the coming years, as they continue to build a competitive roster. While they still face challenges in a tough NL Central division, they are positioning themselves well for the future with moves like these.

The Dodgers’ Perspective: Why They Moved Brasier

For the Los Angeles Dodgers, trading Brasier made sense for several reasons. First and foremost, the Dodgers’ bullpen is one of the deepest in baseball, and they have multiple options for high-leverage spots. Brasier, although a solid reliever, found himself as one of the lower-leverage pitchers in the Dodgers’ pecking order. With the Dodgers looking to free up roster space and potentially open up more opportunities for younger pitchers, trading Brasier to the Cubs allows them to move on from a player who might not have a clear path to significant innings.

Additionally, the Dodgers have a rich pipeline of talent, particularly in the pitching department, and moving Brasier provides them with financial flexibility to make future moves or to give younger arms the chance to prove themselves at the big league level.

What This Means for the Cubs in 2025 and Beyond

The 2025 MLB season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Cubs, and their move for Ryan Brasier will be an important factor in determining their overall success. While the Cubs may not have been the most active team in the offseason, their strategic additions and focus on pitching depth make them a team to watch.

Brasier’s ability to provide stability in the bullpen, especially during high-leverage situations, will be crucial in keeping the Cubs competitive. With his veteran leadership and solid track record, the Cubs can feel more confident in their bullpen’s ability to close out games and prevent late-inning meltdowns. As they continue to build on their foundation and improve their roster, acquiring Brasier signals the Cubs’ commitment to being a serious contender in 2025 and beyond.

In a competitive division with teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs’ bullpen could be the difference-maker in securing a postseason spot. Brasier’s experience, combined with the Cubs’ other offseason acquisitions, gives them a solid shot at making a deep run, especially if they can stay healthy and maintain their pitching performances.

Conclusion

The trade for Ryan Brasier is more than just a minor transaction; it’s part of the Cubs’ long-term vision of becoming a competitive force in the MLB again. By adding a steady, experienced arm to their bullpen, the Cubs are enhancing their chances of success in the 2025 season. Brasier’s experience and skill set are exactly what the team needs as they aim for a return to the postseason.

While the acquisition might not be as flashy as some other trades around the league, it’s a smart, calculated move that could pay dividends for the Cubs. Brasier’s steady hand and ability to perform under pressure should help stabilize the Cubs’ bullpen and potentially lead them to more victories in what promises to be a tightly contested division.

Ultimately, the Cubs’ focus on adding depth and improving their pitching staff demonstrates their commitment to building a sustainable contender for the future, and Ryan Brasier could be a key piece in that puzzle.