The Chicago Cubs missed out on two of their top free agent reliever targets in January and since then they’ve responded by making a pair of trades to help bolster the bullpen. After making a deal for veteran closer Ryan Pressly the Cubs followed up by making a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers for another veteran reliever in Ryan Brasier.
Brasier, 37, was recently designated for assignment by the Dodgers, who had to make room on their roster after they signed Kirby Yates. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the deal between the Cubs and Dodgers Tuesday night.
The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, sources tell ESPN. Brasier, 37, was DFA'd last week but should get leverage innings for Chicago.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 5, 2025
In 2024, Brasier posted a 3.54 ERA in 28 innings of work. The righty missed a big chunk of the season because of a calf strain that sidelined him from the end of April until mid-August. When Brasier returned he was great, recording a 2.76 ERA in 16.1 innings.
Brasier signed a two-year, $9 million contract to return to the Dodgers last offseason, when the Cubs also pursued him in free agency. By the way, the Dodgers are also sending some cash to the Cubs along with Brasier to cover some of his $4.5 million salary this season.
The Dodgers traded RHP Ryan Brasier and cash to the Chicago Cubs for a PTBNL or cash considerations.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 5, 2025
So, how does this relate to a potential Alex Bregman signing for the Cubs? Well, after the team traded for Pressly they reportedly were still interested in adding another reliever. David Robertson was a popular name connected to the Cubs, but his cost would probably be double of what the Cubs are now going to pay Brasier.
The Cubs now have Brasier at a lower cost, which could mean they are more willing to offer Bregman a higher annual salary on a shorter deal. Bregman may change his mind on agreeing to a short-term contract if the AAV is in the $30 million range. Right before the Brasier trade was reported on Tuesday rumors of the Cubs offer for Bregman spread online.
Cubs signing Alex Bregman to a Shōta Imanaga-like structured contract? https://t.co/7doHMPCrYS
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) February 5, 2025
According to North Side Baseball writer Matthew Trueblood, the Cubs have an offer on the table for Bregman at about $30 million AAV for four years, including opt outs.
We’ll see if connecting these dots actually leads to a Bregman signing.
