The Los Angeles Dodgers have made several pitching additions this offseason, which has given other teams the opportunity to add pitchers they’ve dumped. After designating reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment last week, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the 2024 World Series champion is being traded to the Chicago Cubs. 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 Brasier, 37, was very serviceable for the Dodgers over the past two seasons. However, after the Dodgers signed Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, Brasier was the odd man out in a loaded bullpen. In 38 2/3 innings during the 2023 season after coming over from the Boston Red Sox, Brasier pitched to the tune of a 0.70 ERA for the Dodgers and was very important in the 2024 playoffs, serving as an opener for Los Angeles in some of their bullpen games.

Instead of calling it a career or waiting to sign a minor league deal, Brasier will now get a chance at pitching meaningful innings with the Cubs this season. After designating Brasier for assignment, the Dodgers had one week to try and trade him, or else he would be sent through waivers. Chicago decided it didn’t want to wait and let another team steal the eight-year MLB veteran.

It is unclear at this point what the Dodgers are receiving back in the trade, but it is likely either cash considerations or maybe a prospect or two from the Cubs.