Ryan Brasier was designated for assignment as the corresponding move to the Los Angeles Dodgers signing Kirby Yates to a one-year, $13 million contract.
His deal reportedly includes performance bonuses that can add another $1 million to the total value.
Yates and the Dodgers reportedly agreed to terms on Jan. 21, but more than a week then passed until there was another update. On Tuesday, it was reported Yates passed his physical and remained in line to sign with the Dodgers.
There had been a general assumption the delay in officially signing Yates was related to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster being full and potentially wanting to wait until the start of Spring Training in order to utilize the 60-day injured list.
Sandwiched between the two updates was an indication the Dodgers were looking to trade Brasier and others from their surplus of depth.
Brasier seemingly became the odd man out in a Dodgers bullpen that is expected to feature right-handers Brusdar Graterol, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen in addition to Yates.
Though, Graterol will miss at least the first half of the season due to right shoulder surgery, and there may be some health concerns with Kopech, but general manager Brandon Gomes recently dismissed that notion.
Brasier had been with the Dodgers since June 2023, joining the club after being DFA’d and released by the Boston Red Sox. The 37-year-old went 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA, 2.83 FIP and 0.83 WHIP across 68 appearances (four starts) for the Dodgers.
Brasier was signed to a two-year, $9 million contract last February. His deal included potential to reach $13 million in total value through incentives.
Brasier did not have any Minor League options remaining, which presumably was a factor behind the Dodgers’ decision.
Dodgers’ options with Ryan Brasier
Brasier is now passing through waivers and figures to be a likely candidate to get claimed. The Dodgers have 10 days to potentially trade Brasier, and presumably would seek a return that does not require a spot on their 40-man roster.
If Brasier clears waivers, he could accept or reject a Minor League assignment. Accepting it — an unlikely scenario — would keep him part of the Dodgers organization. Declining an outright assignment would result in Brasier becoming a free agent.
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