The Texas Rangers have brought in veteran right-hander Ryan Brasier, agreeing to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training. The deal gives the experienced reliever a chance to compete for a spot on the Rangers’ Opening Day roster as the club continues reshaping its bullpen.
Brasier, 38, arrives after a 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs that was disrupted by injury. A left groin strain sidelined him twice, limiting him to 28 appearances and 26 innings. He finished the year with a 4.50 ERA, 20 strikeouts, and just five walks. However, several underlying metrics suggested he pitched better than his surface numbers indicated. His 3.17 FIP and 3.74 SIERA pointed toward stronger effectiveness, while a 30.5% chase rate and a low 6.3% barrel rate showed he was still missing bats and limiting hard contact. A high .321 batting average on balls in play hinted at some poor luck compared to league norms and his own career averages.
Across nine big-league seasons, Brasier has logged 325 appearances and owns a 3.90 career ERA. His MLB journey has included stops with the Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs, and now the Rangers a meaningful return home for the Texas native. Born in Wichita Falls and a former Weatherford College standout, Brasier now joins an organization located not far from where he grew up, adding a personal touch to this late-career opportunity.
Brasier also brings championship experience. He played a key bullpen role during Boston’s 2018 World Series run, allowing just one earned run in 8⅔ postseason innings after dominating in the regular season. He later earned another ring with the Dodgers, thriving across the 2023–24 stretch with a 1.89 ERA over 66⅔ innings combined. During the 2024 playoffs, he even served as an opener twice, including a scoreless outing in an elimination game.
Injuries have limited his workload in recent years, including a right calf issue in 2024, but he still managed a 3.54 ERA with solid strikeout and walk rates. Excluding a rough 2022 campaign, Brasier has quietly produced a 3.48 ERA over the past three seasons, along with two saves and 20 holds, while keeping the ball in the park effectively.
Texas targeted Brasier as part of a significant bullpen overhaul. The Rangers lost several relievers in free agency and have responded by adding a mix of veterans and depth arms to stabilize late innings. Despite posting a respectable bullpen ERA last season, the club struggled to convert save chances consistently, underscoring the need for more reliable relief options. Brasier’s experience and track record in high-pressure situations make him a low-risk addition who could provide valuable depth if he earns a role out of camp.
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