MLB Rumors: Dodgers Shopping Veteran Reliever With Stellar Numbers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are shopping veteran reliever Ryan Brasier as they address a roster crunch created by an offseason filled with high-profile additions. 

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the team is exploring trade options for Brasier, who is owed $4.5 million in the final year of his two-year contract. 

Brasier, 37, has been an effective contributor since joining the Dodgers in 2023, posting a remarkable 1.89 ERA over 66.2 innings after being released by the Boston Red Sox. 

However, with the signings of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, along with a bullpen that already features Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, and Anthony Banda, Brasier finds himself on the trade block.

The Dodgers are shopping Ryan Brasier to clear up space on the 40-man roster, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/bq8eZk16SX

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) January 22, 2025

Despite his stellar numbers, Brasier has primarily been used in lower-leverage situations, a role unlikely to change with the Dodgers’ latest bullpen upgrades. 

Nightengale reports that Los Angeles views Brasier as part of a “surplus” of relievers, making him expendable.

With a 110% luxury tax on his $4.5 million salary, the total cost of keeping Brasier rises to $9.45 million, and moving him would provide both savings and roster flexibility without altering the team’s tax tier.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who need to clear space on their 40-man roster for their new and pending additions, are shopping some of their surplus to teams, including veteran Ryan Brasier, who is owed $4.5 million this year.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 22, 2025

The Dodgers’ offseason moves, including the acquisitions of Scott, Yates, Japanese star Rōki Sasaki, and Cy Young winner Blake Snell, have created a logjam and forced difficult decisions. 

Brasier is expected to draw interest from teams needing proven relief options, with potential suitors like the Blue Jays reportedly in the mix as the Dodgers prepare for the 2025 season.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images