Why the Dodgers Are Shopping Pitching Depth

The Dodgers are actively shopping surplus pitchers, including Ryan Brasier, as they prepare to add veteran reliever Kirby Yates to an already crowded bullpen, signaling more offseason moves to reshape their roster for another championship run.

Why the Dodgers Are Clearing Roster Space

The Dodgers’ front office faces a familiar dilemma—balancing their surplus of talent with the need for flexibility. After a busy offseason, the Dodgers now appear focused on fine-tuning their pitching staff. The pending addition of Kirby Yates further complicates an already crowded bullpen, necessitating the need to move surplus arms to make room.

Clearing players from the 40-man roster is essential for integrating incoming talent and ensuring the organization can maintain flexibility as they approach spring training.

Ryan Brasier’s Role in Potential Trades

One notable name mentioned in reports is Ryan Brasier, a veteran reliever owed $4.5 million for the 2025 season. Brasier, who revitalized his career after joining the Dodgers midseason in 2023, has posted an impressive 1.89 ERA in 68 appearances with L.A. His strong performance makes him a valuable trade candidate for teams seeking reliable bullpen help.

Brasier’s name has surfaced as part of the Dodgers’ broader effort to trim their pitching staff, but he is far from the only candidate. With the addition of Kirby Yates looming, the Dodgers may look to offload other bullpen arms or depth starters who no longer have a clear path to playing time in 2025.

How Roster Moves Impact the Dodgers’ Offseason Strategy

By offloading surplus talent, particularly from their pitching staff, the team can:

• Create financial flexibility to pursue additional free agents (i.e., Clayton Kershaw and Kiké Hernandez) or extend current stars, although there hasn’t been any word of that.
• Open roster spots for younger pitchers or prospects ready for a bigger role.
• Acquire minor league depth or future draft capital, as seen in the recent Gavin Lux trade.

This strategy not only maximizes the value of expendable players but also addresses roster logjams created by their deep talent pool.

Potential Trade Targets for Dodgers’ Surplus Players

The Dodgers’ surplus of pitching talent will likely attract interest from teams seeking affordable bullpen help or rotation depth. Brasier’s $4.5 million salary and strong performance with the Dodgers make him an appealing option for smaller-market teams or contenders looking for a reliable veteran reliever. Meanwhile, other pitchers in the Dodgers’ system could also generate interest, particularly from teams looking for cost-controlled options.

The potential acquisition of Kirby Yates adds another layer to these trade talks. Yates, who has proven to be an elite reliever when healthy, would bring additional depth and experience to the Dodgers’ bullpen, making it even more critical for the team to shed surplus arms.

What’s Next for the Dodgers?

The Dodgers’ front office has proven adept at balancing win-now moves and long-term planning with their ability to leverage surplus players for future assets.

With the 40-man roster adjustments underway and the potential acquisition of Kirby Yates looming, further trades and roster moves are likely on the horizon. Dodgers fans should expect announcements in the coming weeks as the team prepares for another championship push.