One of the key pieces to the Dodgers' success last season is still a free agent. That would be relief pitcher Ryan Brasier, who the team has discussed bringing back this offseason.
However, if the Dodgers do indeed want to retain Brasier, then they will be competing with a few teams. He is appearing to be a hot commodity on the open market after a successful second-half stint with Los Angeles.
According to The New York Post's Jon Heyman, the New York Yankees are one of the teams looking at possibly bringing Brasier in for next season to help bolster their bullpen.
"The Yankees, currently focused on bullpen pieces, have talked to Hector Neris, Phil Maton, Ryan Brasier and Wandy Peralta."
Brasier joined the Dodgers last June on a minor-league contract and worked his way to the big-league club. He become one of the most important pieces of the Dodgers bullpen down the stretch of the season, so it makes sense why L.A. would want to keep him around.
He posted an ERA of 0.70 and a WHIP of 0.72 over 39 games for the team. Brasier worked 38.2 innings for Los Angeles and struck out 28 batters during that time.
However, before he came to Los Angeles, Brasier struggled greatly with the Boston Red Sox. In 20 games for Boston, he posted an ERA of 7.29, which led to his release.
One of the biggest hurdles to the Dodgers re-signing Brasier is that the organization typically has been against handing out large free-agent deals to relief pitchers. They could be priced out after his success with them.
But the Dodgers aren't new to this, seeing multiple pitchers leave after strong work in their system. Chris Martin is the most recent person who fits this mold, as he left last offseason and signed a multi-year deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Brasier was extremely solid for the Dodgers, but they've shown the ability to replace talent in the bullpen. Even if he does leave, Los Angeles will continue to have a good bullpen heading into next season.
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