The Los Angeles Dodgers’ signing of right-handed reliever Kirby Yates will cost another one of their veteran stalwarts a job.

The Dodgers designated relief pitcher Ryan Brasier for assignment Thursday to make room for their latest free-agent addition.

Brasier, 37, went 1-0 with a 3.54 ERA in 29 appearances last season – a good season by most standards, but not good enough to hold a job in the Dodgers’ upgraded bullpen.

By cutting Brasier, the Dodgers gained a spot on their 40-man roster and officially announced the signing of Yates, who had 33 saves last season for the Texas Rangers.

Yates will be introduced in a press conference Friday at Dodger Stadium. Yates’ one-year contract will pay $13 million, a nice raise from the $4.5 million contract he got from the Texas Rangers prior to last season.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today was the first to report the Dodgers were closing in on a deal with Yates, who has a strong track record of relief pitching going back a decade.

Last year, Yates accrued more Win Probability Added (4.43) than all but one reliever in baseball. In 422 career appearances, Yates has closed, set up, and generally thrived in one-inning increments for six different teams.

Two Teams Tried, Failed to Acquire Luis Robert Jr From White Sox: Report In addition to Yates and free-agent signee Tanner Scott, the Dodgers could in theory turn to right-handers Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Evan Phillips – all closers as recently as last season – for saves in 2025.

Brasier, 37, went 1-0 with a 3.54 ERA in 29 appearances out of the Dodgers’ bullpen in 2024, with a stout 0.964 WHIP in 28 innings.

Dodgers’ World Series Starter: ‘Would Be Fun To Go Back’ to Team That Traded Him The veteran right-hander also made eight appearances in the postseason as the Dodgers marched to the World Series. He allowed five runs across nine innings, walking three batters and striking out seven.

Brasier originally joined the Dodgers on a minor league contract in June 2023 after he was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox.

The Dodgers’ coaches introduced a cutter to his repertoire, promoted him to the majors shortly thereafter, and saw him go 2-0 with a 0.70 ERA in 39 appearances the rest of the season.

Blue Jays to Sign Free Agent Max Scherzer for $15.5 Million: Reports The Dodgers can still trade Brasier for a minor league player without adding to their roster crunch in the next week.

His generally strong track record should allow Los Angeles to get something in return.