The Texas Rangers have brought back right-handed pitcher Ryan Brasier on a minor league contract, as indicated by the transaction log on his MLB.com profile. This marks a quick return for Brasier, who had initially signed with the organization in February but was released shortly before Opening Day after failing to secure a spot on the major league roster.
Brasier, a veteran with nine seasons of MLB experience, is no stranger to navigating ups and downs in his career. He first broke into the big leagues with the Los Angeles Angels in 2013, but he is best known for his time with the Boston Red Sox, where he spent several productive years. However, his tenure in Boston ended on a rough note in 2023 when he struggled early in the season and was ultimately released.
After departing the Red Sox, Brasier signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a move that proved to be a turning point. He delivered an outstanding performance upon joining the Dodgers, posting a remarkable 0.70 ERA over 39 appearances for the remainder of the season. That impressive stretch earned him a two-year contract with the team in free agency, signaling renewed confidence in his abilities.
During his second season with Los Angeles, Brasier continued to be effective when available, finishing with a 3.54 ERA. However, his campaign was interrupted by a calf injury that sidelined him for roughly half the season. Additionally, his strikeout rate declined to 22.7%, a noticeable drop compared to his earlier performance with the Dodgers. This decrease in strikeouts, combined with concerns about durability, led to him being removed from the team’s 40-man roster the following offseason. He was subsequently traded to the Chicago Cubs before Spring Training began.
Brasier’s time with the Cubs followed a similar pattern of inconsistency due to injuries. He missed significant time after landing on the injured list twice with a left groin strain, which kept him out for approximately three months. When he was able to take the mound, his effectiveness had dipped further. His strikeout rate fell to 19.0%, and his ERA rose to 4.50, reflecting ongoing challenges in maintaining his previous level of performance.
Upon entering free agency again, Brasier encountered limited interest from teams. Although some underlying metrics, such as his 3.17 FIP with Chicago, suggested he was still capable of contributing, concerns about his declining strikeout numbers and recurring injuries likely made teams hesitant. As a result, he signed a minor league deal with the Rangers in hopes of working his way back to the majors.
Unfortunately for Brasier, his Spring Training performance did not help his case. Across eight appearances, he allowed seven runs (six earned), which ultimately cost him a chance to make the Rangers’ Opening Day roster. Despite that setback, Texas has decided to give him another opportunity within the organization.
Now back with the Rangers, Brasier will begin the season at Triple-A Round Rock. There, he will look to regain form, stay healthy, and prove that he can still be a reliable option at the big league level. If he can put together strong performances in the minors, he may earn another shot in the majors later in the season.
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