The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing an overabundance of relievers in their bullpen after signing Kirby Yates, prompting them to consider trading one of their existing relievers. The Houston Astros, who likely should have pursued Yates more aggressively, are being linked to a potential trade for Ryan Brasier. Brasier had a solid 2024 season with the Dodgers, posting a 3.54 ERA in 29 games, striking out 25 batters and walking only five, showcasing a strong 5:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite his impressive performance, Brasier’s low walk rate—among the best in baseball—didn’t qualify him for some advanced statistics, though it still stands out.
A potential trade between the two teams could see the Astros acquiring Brasier, while the Dodgers receive right-handed pitching prospect Miguel Ullola, the Astros’ No. 8 prospect in 2024, along with some cash considerations. Given Brasier’s status entering the final year of his contract, the Dodgers may not have much negotiating leverage, but they could still secure a promising prospect like Ullola. In 2024, Ullola posted a 4.24 ERA in 27 appearances (23 starts) at Double-A Corpus Christi and made one appearance at Triple-A, making him a candidate to start there in 2025, contingent on a strong spring training performance.
For the Astros, adding Brasier would bolster their bullpen, slotting him alongside Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu in the late innings. Brasier, who is set to make $4.5 million in 2025, would be a key addition to the Astros’ relief corps. It could also make sense for Houston to try to extend Brasier before he hits free agency in 2026, as they would otherwise face the same need for bullpen help again next offseason.
