The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Ryan Brasier in early June after he was released by the Boston Red Sox. The veteran reliever found a home with his new team, becoming a staple piece at the backend of their bullpen.
With the Red Sox, Braiser posted a 7.29 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 21 innings pitched (20 games), leading to his departure. The right-hander was allowing a high-rate of contact, giving up 10.29 hits per nine innings.
The Dodgers signed him to a Minor League deal on June 4, where they broke down his overall makeup.
Members of the club’s player development team, including director of Minor League pitching Rob Hill and pitching analytics coordinator Brent Minta, suggested Brasier start throwing a cut-fastball to remedy his issues against left-handed batters.
The addition of a cutter allowed Brasier to unlock a new version of himself, going on to post a 0.70 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and .136 batting average allowed in 38.2 innings pitched following the change in organizations.
With the Dodgers, Brasier limited left-handed hitters to a .123/.167/.211 slash, with just one homer in 17 innings pitched.
Brasier separated himself from his past struggles, establishing a role as a rock solid member of a bullpen in need of sustained availability and became the team’s setup man.
He finished the season throwing 59.2 innings with a 3.02 ERA, 3.14 FIP and 1.02 WHIP while striking out 23.5% of hitters and walking 8%.
Ryan Brasier 2023 highlight
One of Brasier’s finest moments with the Dodgers came on September 16 against the Seattle Mariners after manager Dave Roberts brought him in with two runners on and one out in the bottom of the eighth inning.
With no runs across for either team, Brasier came in after Alex Vesia allowed a pair of singles. The right-hander was able to get both Julio Rodríguez and Teoscar Hernández to strikeout, ending the threat.
The Dodgers went on to win the game in extra innings by a 6-2 score.
2024 outlook
Brasier is now a free agent and one of baseball’s most intriguing relief options available on the open market.
The Dodgers are among teams with interest in bringing him in, but there is reportedly a robust market for his services.
Of the rumored clubs who have inquired for Brasier are the St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Angels.
Because the Dodgers were able to unlock an entirely new look on his usage, Brasier returning to L.A. makes sense. But with how hefty reliever contracts are, his payday will be similar to that of Chris Martin, who signed with the Boston Red Sox last season.
Martin experienced a similar turnaround after joining the Dodgers, going on to sign a two-year, $13.5 million contract with the Red Sox. Brasier could see something along those lines, or more, but he would also provide the Dodgers with another high-leverage piece at the backend.
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