Ryan Braiser became a key member of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen last season after a rough showing with the Boston Red Sox that led to him being designated for assignment and subsequently released.
The right-hander signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers and unlocked some untapped potential after he added a cutter to his repertoire. That was at the suggestion of director of Minor League pitching Rob Hill and pitching analytics coordinator Brent Minta, who encouraged Brasier to use the pitch against left-handed batters.
He worked his way into a high-leverage role and posted a minuscule 0.70 ERA, 2.48 FIP and 0.72 WHIP in 38.2 innings pitched across 39 appearances.
Brasier is now a free agent and has drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels and Chicago Cubs.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the New York Yankees have also discussed the possibility of signing the 36-year-old:
As for the pen, they’ve talked to Hector Neris, Phil Maton, Ryan Brasier, Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton, among others.
The Yankees are plenty familiar with Brasier from his time in Boston, where he pitched in parts of six seasons. New York is looking to shore up their bullpen in the wake of Keynan Middleton, Wandy Peralta and Lou Trivino all reaching free agency.
The Yankees have already added to the group by acquiring Victor González from the Dodgers earlier this offseason as part of a three-player trade.
What contract will Ryan Brasier sign?
Braiser will likely receive a similar contract to the two-year, $17 million deal Chris Martin signed with the Red Sox last offseason.
Like Brasier, Martin experienced a turnaround during his brief stint with the Dodgers, which led to a sizable payday in free agency.
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