Dodgers reportedly sign Cardinals free-agent target to strengthen bullpen.
St. Louis might be finished adding bullpen depth.
This winter, the St. Louis Cardinals have been actively retooling their pitching staff to help them turn things around next season.
It’s safe to say that St. Louis is on track to rebound in 2024 after signing three veteran starters, trading for right-hander reliever Andrew Kittredge, and signing free-agent pitcher Kenyan Middleton this offseason.
The Cardinals met their offseason goals by replenishing the rotation and adding two high-leverage relievers. After a highly sought-after reliever signs with a National League opponent, the club may be finished adding relievers.
“Free-agent reliever Ryan Brasier has agreed to a two-year, $9 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported on Monday. “Chance to reach $13 million total through incentives.”
Brasier was reportedly on St. Louis’ radar this offseason as a potential bullpen-bolstering option, but after trading for Kittredge and acquiring Middleton, it became unlikely that the Cardinals would spend the money to sign him.
Before being released, the 36-year-old had an atrocious 7.29 ERA with an 18-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio,.286 batting average against, and 1.57 WHIP in 21 innings with the Boston Red Sox in the first half of 2023.
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Brasier after he was released by Boston, made a few changes to his pitching repertoire (including the addition of a cutter), and helped him completely turn things around.
To finish the second half of his 2023 season, the right-handed pitcher had a 0.70 ERA, a 38-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a.140 batting average against, and a 0.72 WHIP over 38 2/3 innings.
Although it is disappointing to see Brasier sign a deal with the Dodgers that would have been within the Cardinals’ budget, fans can take comfort in the fact that St. Louis should have a top-10 bullpen following a successful retooling.