The Texas Rangers are staying active this offseason, and their latest move brings a familiar face back to the Lone Star State. According to reports, the club is finalizing a deal with veteran reliever Ryan Brasier - a two-time World Series champion who’s set to return to his home state on a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training.
Brasier, 38, hails from Wichita Falls, Texas, and has carved out a steady nine-year MLB career as a right-handed bullpen arm. While his most recent stint with the Chicago Cubs saw him post a 4.50 ERA over 28 appearances, Brasier’s track record shows he can still be a valuable depth piece - especially for a Rangers bullpen that could use a few more reliable options.
Across his career, Brasier has logged 325 games, racking up 301 strikeouts in just over 311 innings. His lifetime ERA sits at 3.90, with a 1.160 WHIP and a 113 ERA+, suggesting he’s been an above-average reliever when at his best. Those numbers don’t scream dominance, but they do tell the story of a pitcher who knows how to get outs and manage high-leverage spots - something Texas could lean on as they look to reinforce their relief corps.
This isn't Brasier’s first go-around with postseason success, either. He was a key part of the Red Sox’s 2018 championship run, putting up a lights-out 1.04 ERA across nine playoff games. More recently, he was part of the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series-winning squad, though his October wasn’t quite as sharp that time around - he posted a 5.00 ERA in eight postseason appearances.
Now, Brasier comes to a Rangers team that’s made a few bold moves already this winter. Trading Marcus Semien to the Mets for outfielder Brandon Nimmo and acquiring lefty MacKenzie Gore from the Nationals were headline-grabbing decisions.
But even with those splashy deals, the bullpen remained a clear area of need. The Rangers have a few decent arms in place, but depth and experience were still lacking.
Brasier doesn’t solve everything, but he adds a veteran presence and a potential middle-inning option if he performs well this spring.
The deal isn’t official yet, but assuming all goes according to plan, Brasier will report to camp with a shot at cracking the Opening Day roster. If he doesn’t make the cut, he still offers the organization some insurance - a seasoned arm who’s been through the grind and knows how to handle pressure.
For a Rangers team looking to build on its recent momentum, this is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. Brasier may not be the same pitcher he was in 2018, but he brings a winning pedigree and a chance to stabilize a bullpen that could use a few more steady hands.