Cardinals Could Attempt To Trade For Dodgers Veteran Hurler At Discounted Price

St. Louis could use the added depth
Apr 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A hat and glove of an Los Angeles Dodgers player durng a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Apr 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A hat and glove of an Los Angeles Dodgers player durng a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals haven't signed any big-league free agents this winter as the front office commits to reducing payroll but perhaps a trade should be pursued.

The Cardinals have been trying to move superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado all offseason. Although the five-time Silver Slugger remains the top priority, other roster areas need to be addressed.

For instance, the bullpen could use some added depth before entering the 2025 season. Perhaps a deal with reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers could make sense.

"The Los Angeles Dodgers, who need to clear space on their 40-man roster for their new and pending additions, are shopping some of their surplus to teams, including veteran Ryan Brasier, who is owed $4.5 million this year," USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Wednesday.

Brasier has logged a 10-8 record with a 3.85 ERA, 281-to-84 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .232 batting average against and a 1.15 WHIP throughout his eight-year career, during which he played for the LA Angels, Boston Red Sox and Dodgers.

The 37-year-old has battled several injuries over the previous few seasons that have derailed his success. At times throughout his career, Brasier was a reliable reliever but his inability to stay healthy has significantly impacted his performance.

The two-time World Series champion posted a 1-0 record with a 3.54 ERA, 25-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .218 batting average against and a 0.96 WHIP in 28 innings pitched for the Dodgers in 2024.

If the Dodgers are desperate to move Brasier, perhaps the Cardinals could convince LA to eat a massive portion of the right-handed pitcher's $4.5 million salary this year.

Unless LA agrees to pay most of Brasier's salary for 2025, the Cardinals should have no business trading for an aging veteran on a downward trajectory.

More MLB: Cardinals Fan Favorite Linked To Pair Of Contenders In Possible Trade Deadline Move


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Nate Hagerty
NATE HAGERTY

Nate Hagerty joined “Inside The Cardinals” as a content creator to spread knowledge about his favorite childhood team. A hometown native of Boston, Hagerty chose at an early age of six years old to follow the St. Louis Cardinals. The miraculous season of 04’ for the Red Sox did not deter Hagerty from rooting against his hometown team, nor did it in 2013 against the Red Birds. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu