**Why the Rangers’ Decision to Bring Back a Veteran Reliever Could Pay Off Down the Line**
In baseball, depth isn’t just important—it’s essential. Over the course of a long season filled with injuries, slumps, and constant roster adjustments, teams rely heavily on their minor league system to stay competitive. For the **Texas Rangers**, building that depth was a major focus throughout spring training, especially at the Triple-A level in Round Rock.
That’s why the decision to bring back veteran reliever **Ryan Brasier**—even after he failed to make the Opening Day roster—could end up being more significant than it initially appears.
Brasier recently signed a minor league deal with Texas after being released earlier in the week. While it may not have made headlines, this move reflects a calculated approach by the Rangers. Rather than letting a seasoned arm walk away, the organization chose to keep him within reach, ready to be called upon if needed.
Relief pitching is one of the most volatile areas in baseball. Teams often cycle through multiple relievers during a season due to fatigue, performance inconsistencies, or injuries. Having a player like Brasier—who brings experience and a proven track record—gives the Rangers valuable insurance.
The 38-year-old right-hander has appeared in **325 career MLB games**, recording **67 holds and 10 saves**, primarily serving as a setup man. More importantly, he brings championship pedigree, having won **two World Series titles**—one with the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and another with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. That level of experience can be invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations later in the season.
However, there’s a clear reason why Brasier didn’t make the initial roster. His spring training performance left much to be desired. In eight appearances, he posted a **7.36 ERA**, allowing 12 hits and seven runs (six earned) over 7.1 innings. While he didn’t issue any walks, he managed only two strikeouts, indicating he struggled to dominate opposing hitters.
Simply put, he wasn’t ready for Opening Day.
But the Rangers aren’t making this move based solely on what he showed in spring training. Instead, they appear to be betting on what he could become with more time and refinement. By keeping Brasier in the system, they allow him to work through his struggles in a lower-pressure environment while staying prepared for a potential call-up.
Just last season with the Dodgers, Brasier showed he still has something left in the tank. He finished with a **3.54 ERA**, going 1-0 while striking out 25 and walking just five batters across 28 innings. He also recorded six holds and delivered solid performances during the postseason. That version of Brasier is exactly what the Rangers hope to rediscover.
This move represents a classic low-risk, high-reward scenario. If Brasier regains his form, Texas gains a reliable bullpen piece without having to search outside the organization. If not, the cost of keeping him in the minors remains minimal.
For Brasier, it’s an opportunity to prove he still belongs at the major league level. For the Rangers, it’s a smart depth play that could quietly make a difference later in the season.
And in baseball, those under-the-radar moves often matter the most.
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