Ryan Brasier – Chicago Cubs Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Ryan Brasier has turned into a reliable arm for the Los Angeles Dodgers since he joined them in 2023. The right-handed reliever locked in his future with the team by signing a two-year contract worth $9 million in early 2024.

That deal really shows how much the Dodgers value his consistency in their bullpen.

By 2025, Brasier’s estimated net worth sits at around $11 million, thanks to his MLB career and that recent Dodgers contract. His journey has taken him from the Boston Red Sox to a stint in Japan, and those experiences have shaped his versatility and drive to stick at the top level.

At 37, Brasier stands out as a veteran presence in the bullpen. His career is a testament to the persistence you need in pro baseball—he’s bounced back from setbacks and grabbed opportunities when they popped up.

His story keeps unfolding as he helps the Dodgers chase another championship.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Ryan David Brasier’s path to pro baseball started well before his Major League debut. Those early years really laid the groundwork for what would become a pretty gritty career in America’s favorite pastime.

Family Background and Upbringing

Born August 26, 1987, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Ryan Brasier grew up in a family that supported his athletic dreams. As a kid, he loved playing catch with his dad out back, and his natural baseball talent showed up early.

The Brasier family saw his potential and always pushed him to pursue sports. Growing up in Texas, with its deep baseball roots, gave him the perfect place to develop.

Back in the mid-90s, as Brasier was picking up the game, baseball was bouncing back big-time after the strike. That energy inspired a lot of young players, including him.

Those early lessons about hard work and sticking with it definitely came in handy when things got tough later on.

Amateur Career and Entry Into Baseball

Brasier started turning heads at Rider High School in Wichita Falls. He stood out as a pitcher, dominating local teams with his fastball and a breaking ball that just kept getting better.

His high school performances attracted college scouts and pro teams. Instead of jumping straight into pro ball, Brasier decided to sharpen his skills at Weatherford College.

That move paid off—he grew from a promising kid into a real pro prospect during his college years.

The 2007 MLB Draft marked his official step into pro baseball when the Los Angeles Angels picked him in the sixth round. That moment made all the years of hard work feel worth it, and it set him on the path to the big leagues.

Minor League Development

Brasier’s pro journey really kicked off in the Angels’ farm system. Those first few years in the minors, from 2007 to 2011, brought both wins and some tough lessons as he adjusted to tougher competition.

By 2011, he made it to Triple-A with the Salt Lake Bees. Suddenly, the majors felt within reach. That stretch was all about tweaking his mechanics and growing mentally as a pitcher.

He crossed paths with future MLB players, some of whom had played for the Expos before they became the Nationals. These veterans passed along advice about surviving the grind of pro baseball—advice Brasier would lean on later in his career.

Professional Career in MLB

Ryan Brasier’s MLB story covers multiple teams and some big playoff moments. He’s shown a ton of resilience as a reliever, fighting through obstacles to establish himself in the big leagues.

Debut and Early Teams

The Los Angeles Angels picked Brasier in the 6th round of the 2007 MLB Draft. But he didn’t get to the majors right away—he spent years working his way up the minors.

He finally made his MLB debut with the Angels in 2013, pitching in seven games. That first stint didn’t last long, and like a lot of relievers, he had to prove he could stick.

After the Angels, Brasier’s path took a turn. He pitched in Japan for the Hiroshima Carp in 2017, and that season overseas helped him refine his approach and build confidence.

Facing tough hitters in a different environment forced him to trust his stuff and adapt.

Boston Red Sox Tenure

Brasier’s career really shifted when he signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. He impressed at Triple-A Pawtucket and soon got called up.

Manager Alex Cora saw something in Brasier, and he quickly became a go-to bullpen arm. He teamed up with Joe Kelly to stabilize a bullpen that had plenty of question marks.

Dave Dombrowski, Boston’s president of baseball ops at the time, called Brasier one of the team’s best in-season pickups. His fastball-slider combo worked especially well against righties.

Brasier signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with Boston for the 2022 season. He provided steady support for other pitchers like Chris Sale and Rick Porcello.

World Series Contributions

Brasier’s biggest moment came during the 2018 postseason. He threw 8.2 scoreless innings over nine playoff games, helping the Red Sox win their fourth World Series since 2004.

Game 4 of the ALDS against the Yankees stands out. Down 3-0 in the count to Gary Sanchez, Brasier yelled at him to get back in the box—then struck him out. That fired up the team and the fans.

In the World Series against the Dodgers, Brasier delivered crucial innings alongside Joe Kelly. He protected leads built by Boston’s offense, which was led by Mookie Betts.

This playoff run turned Brasier from a minor league signing into a key part of Red Sox history.

Recent Seasons and Free Agency

After the World Series, Brasier hit some rough patches with injuries and up-and-down performance. The COVID-shortened 2020 season was tough for a lot of players, and Brasier struggled with his command.

In 2021, he took a scary line drive to the head during spring training, which delayed his season. But he kept grinding and stayed in the majors.

By 2023, Brasier landed with the Dodgers on a 2-year, $9 million contract. His net worth hit about $11 million by 2025, reflecting all those years of work.

Free agency has been a regular part of Brasier’s story. He’s had to keep proving himself to stick around, showing the kind of determination that keeps a relief pitcher’s career alive.

Team Relationships and Notable Teammates

Over the years, Ryan Brasier has built some important relationships with teammates and coaches. Those connections have shaped his approach on the mound and helped him get through tough stretches.

Managerial Influence and Coaching

Brasier’s bond with Red Sox manager Alex Cora was huge during the 2018 title run. Cora trusted him in big spots, even though Brasier didn’t have much MLB experience.

Pitching coach Dana LeVangie worked closely with Brasier on his slider and helped him figure out how to attack lefties. That coaching helped turn him into a reliable bullpen piece.

When he got to Los Angeles, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior helped Brasier find his fastball command again. That turnaround led to his two-year, $9 million deal with the Dodgers.

Infield and Outfield Collaborations

Brasier benefited from Boston’s stellar infield, especially the left side with Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers. Their defense gave him confidence when hitters put the ball in play.

Jackie Bradley Jr.’s defense in center field helped Brasier, especially against power hitters who could drive balls deep. Knowing Bradley had his back let Brasier pitch a little more aggressively.

Mitch Moreland and Dustin Pedroia brought veteran leadership, helping Brasier navigate the pressure of pitching in Boston. Even while injured, Pedroia stayed a vocal leader in the clubhouse.

J.D. Martinez, mostly known for his bat, would chat with Brasier about how hitters think—those conversations proved pretty useful.

Catcher Partnerships

Christian Vazquez became Brasier’s main battery mate during the 2018 championship run. Vazquez’s framing and game-calling helped Brasier get the most out of his pitches.

Key Catcher Partnerships:
• Christian Vazquez: Primary battery mate during 2018 championship run
• Sandy Leon: Defensive specialist who helped with pitch sequencing
• Blake Swihart: Limited partnerships during 2018-2019

Brasier and Sandy Leon developed a strong connection, and Leon’s defensive skills helped Brasier work through tough lineups. They worked especially well against right-handed-heavy teams.

That trust between Brasier and his catchers let him commit to his pitches, which really mattered in high-pressure playoff moments.

Noteworthy Bullpen Mates

Craig Kimbrel anchored the Boston bullpen when Brasier broke in, and Brasier picked up some of Kimbrel’s routines and prep habits.

Matt Barnes and Brasier often handled the late innings together—Barnes usually took the eighth, Brasier the seventh. Their different styles kept hitters guessing.

Steven Wright’s knuckleball brought a totally different look from Brasier’s power stuff, which worked well when they pitched back-to-back.

Eduardo Rodriguez, usually a starter, sometimes pitched out of the bullpen in the postseason. That gave Brasier a glimpse into how to adapt to different roles.

Ryan Brasier’s Contracts and Career Earnings

Ryan Brasier’s financial journey in the majors has seen some real ups and downs. His earnings reflect both the struggles and the highlights of his time on the mound.

Major Contracts and Salary Progression

Brasier’s MLB pay started out pretty modest. After bouncing around on minor league deals and playing overseas, he signed with the Red Sox in 2018, earning the league minimum at first.

Once he proved himself as a reliable reliever, his salary jumped. By 2023, even after a rough patch with a 7.29 ERA in 20 appearances, he set himself up for his biggest payday.

He really hit a milestone by signing a two-year, $9 million deal with the Dodgers, pulling in $4.5 million each year—way more than he made early on.

Contract Extensions and Negotiations

Brasier’s most important negotiation came after his strong showing with the Dodgers late in 2023. The team didn’t waste time—they locked him up with a two-year, $9 million deal to shore up their bullpen.

Timing worked in Brasier’s favor. He pitched well in a short stint, and the Dodgers needed solid bullpen arms, so he and his agents got him a multi-year deal instead of just another one-year “prove it” contract.

That move shows how relievers can cash in when they get hot at the right time. The Dodgers’ willingness to commit two years says a lot about their faith in Brasier, even after some inconsistency in the past.

Team Payrolls and Financial Impact

Brasier’s contracts have shaped team payrolls in different ways over his career.

When he played for Boston, his low-cost years gave the team a fantastic return during their 2018 championship run. He delivered premium relief pitching without much financial risk.

The Dodgers brought in Brasier at $4.5 million a year. That fits their plan—build bullpen depth at reasonable prices, save the big spending for starters and position players.

This payroll approach gives them flexibility but still keeps the bullpen strong.

Brasier’s contracts don’t really move the needle on luxury tax compared to his higher-paid teammates. Sure, his current deal counts toward the Dodgers’ luxury tax, but it’s a drop in the bucket for a team with deep pockets.

His estimated $11 million career net worth through 2025 shows he’s done well for himself, especially for a reliever who had to fight through a lot just to stick in the majors.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Ryan Brasier has managed to build up significant wealth from his professional baseball career.

He’s landed some solid MLB contracts and seems to handle his finances with care. Since his debut, his net worth has grown, and that reflects how much teams have valued him.

Estimated Net Worth Over Time

By 2025, Ryan Brasier’s estimated net worth sits at about $11 million. Some sources put it closer to $6.6 million, so the exact number is a bit fuzzy.

Either way, his financial picture has gotten brighter with every season in Major League Baseball.

His wealth really took off after he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That two-year, $9 million contract in 2024 gave him a guaranteed $4.5 million each year.

Before the Dodgers, Brasier pulled in a reported $1.4 million with the Boston Red Sox in 2022.

His salary kept climbing as he proved himself as a reliable bullpen arm.

Endorsements and Off-Field Income

Brasier mainly makes his money from baseball, but he’s picked up a few endorsement deals with sporting goods companies along the way.

These deals aren’t exactly front-page news, but they do pad his overall income.

He keeps things pretty low-key compared to flashier MLB stars. He’s put money into real estate, owning properties in his home state and in cities where he’s played.

Brasier doesn’t chase a ton of commercial endorsements or business ventures outside the game. He seems to focus more on his career and what happens on the field than building a big brand off it.