With about a week until pitchers and catchers report to spring training and 50 days to Opening Day, the Boston Red Sox still have holes to address on their roster.
Among them is bullpen depth, of which clubs can never have enough. The Dodgers recently placed former Red Sox reliever Ryan Brasier on the trade market after they acquired an excess of new talent this offseason. LA couldn't find any suitors before it needed to add Kirby Yates to the 40-man roster, and it designated Brasier for assignment to accommodate him.
Before Brasier cleared waivers, the Cubs traded for him on Feb. 4 to bolster their bullpen. The veteran posted a solid 2024 season with a 3.54 ERA, 25 strikeouts and five walks over 28 innings.
Many Boston fans expected the Red Sox to pursue a reunion with the righty who pitched out of their 'pen from 2018 to the middle of 2023 before he was designated for assignment and later signed with the Dodgers. The Sox could still use more experienced relief help, and they've appeared more likely to make a trade than sign talent off the free agent market all winter.
Cubs trade for recently DFA'd former Red Sox reliever, Ryan Brasier, to add bullpen depth
The #Cubs today acquired RHP Ryan Brasier from the Dodgers for a player to be named later or cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, LHP Rob Zastryzny has been designated for assignment.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 5, 2025
Welcome to Chicago, Ryan! pic.twitter.com/yFvjvwGivx
Brasier's tenure with the Red Sox didn't end well, though, which could be why they didn't pursue a reunion with him. The now 37-year-old posted a 4.55 ERA over 209.2 innings with Boston, including a 7.29 ERA performance over 20 relief appearances in 2023, which led to his midseason release.
Recent injury issues could also present a problem for the righty. He pitched just 28 innings in 2024 due to a calf strain that kept him sidelined from April to August. Injuries plagued the Sox's bullpen late last season and contributed to the implosion that kept the team from the playoffs, so fans can see why they may have steered clear of trading for Brasier.
Brasier will join former Astros closer Ryan Pressly as Chicago's latest bullpen additions. It will be interesting to see who Boston brings in, if anyone, to deepen its 'pen now that Brasier is off the board. David Robertson posted a great 2024 campaign (3.00 ERA, 99 strikeouts, 72 innings) and is one of the best free agent options remaining. He'll be 40 years old shortly after Opening Day and could be an ideal candidate for a one-year deal, the Red Sox's bread and butter.