Chicago Cubs could consider trading for Los Angeles Dodgers reliever with a 1.89 ERA

The Chicago Cubs have been linked to over 10 relievers and closers this off-season, with several signing in the past week, including Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Jose Leclerc, and Paul Sewald. While options like Carlos Estevez, Kenley Jansen, and Kyle Finnegan are still available, a recent trade opportunity has arisen with a Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher boasting a 1.89 ERA.

Ryan Braiser is being openly shopped by the Los Angeles Dodgers

Ryan Braiser, a 37 year old right-handed pitcher, has resurrected his career as a member of the Dodgers over the past two seasons that is highlighted by a 0.70 ERA during the 2023 campaign (38.1 innings pitched).  Altogether, with Los Angeles, he has tossed 66.2 innings and has a 1.89 ERA, but it is worth noting that a calf injury did sideline him for three months last year.  Prior to that, he spent six MLB seasons with the Boston Red Sox where through 209.2 innings he posted a 4.55 ERA.

Unfortunately for him, Los Angeles has accumulated so much talent that he is now looking like the odd man out as they are trying to free up space on their 40-man roster.  Another reason why the Dodgers are wanting to trade him is because his original $4.5 million 2025 salary is actually costing them $9.45 million due to a 110% tax due to luxury penalization.

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

One man’s trash is another’s treasure 

While Braiser hasn’t been “trash” with the Dodgers, the expression fits in this case as Los Angeles has deemed him expendable. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs are in need of reinforcements for the back end of their bullpen. Given that he’s on an expiring contract, the cost to acquire him should be minimal, with likely no more than a flier on a prospect outside the top 30 in the organization being the price.

If the Cubs go after Ryan Braiser, they should not be done adding relievers

Appealing as it is for Chicago and Los Angeles to strike a trade involving Braiser, if the Cubs were to do it they would still be in need of more back end of the bullpen help.  Braiser would not be the signature addition that they need as he is not likely someone manager Craig Counsell would regularly throw into the closer’s role.  However, he would bring a veteran experience and a track record of consistency that could land him in a role as a bridge player to the ninth inning.