MLB rumors: Dodgers could shop ‘surplus’ pitching after more additions, Cubs looking for bullpen help

Once the announcement for the Hall of Fame class is done, usually, we’re in for a few boring weeks before spring training starts. That’s how it was a decade ago, at least. These days, there are still plenty of free agents left on the board, which also means it’s possible to see a big trade or two. 

In that spirit, let’s round up the news and rumors for the day.

Dodgers shopping pitchers

The Dodgers have made a litany of additions even if they don’t finalize a deal with Kirby Yates. This means they need to clear roster space from their 40-man and are “shopping some of their surplus” in the trade market, per USA Today. Among that surplus could be reliever Ryan Brasier. 

The 37-year-old right-hander had a 3.54 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 25 strikeouts in 28 innings last season. He saw action in all three playoff rounds, too, pitching to a 5.00 ERA. 

Cubs add Berti, eye bullpen help

The Cubs have reached a deal with free-agent infielder Jon Berti, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Berti, who turned 35 on Wednesday, spent last season with the Yankees and hit for a 90 OPS+ in 25 games.

Elsewhere, the Cubs were outbid by the Dodgers for Tanner Scott and it looks like Kirby Yates might also be headed that way, which means the Cubs are still looking elsewhere for bullpen help. According to The Athletic, the remaining list of targets is as follows: 

The group under consideration this winter, according to league sources briefed on the team’s discussions, has included Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, Ryan Pressly, Phil Maton, Ryne Stanek and Brooks Raley.  

Those are all free agents except Pressly, who would require a trade from the Astros. Raley is coming off Tommy John surgery and would only be ready for the second half of the season, barring a setback in his rehab. It’s a variety of options and shows the flexibility the Cubs have in seeking bullpen upgrades.

Free-agent relief pitcher Paul Sewald has signed a one-year deal with a mutual option for the 2026 season, the team announced Wednesday. The deal for this season is for $7 million, reports ESPN.

The 34-year-old right-hander has been either a closer or setup man for most of the last four seasons. Last year for the Diamondbacks, he had a 4.31 ERA (98 ERA+) and 1.13 WHIP with 43 strikeouts in 39 ⅔ innings. He was 11 for 11 in save chances last season through June, but then blew four of his next nine chances and was removed from the closer role. 

The Guardians had the best bullpen in baseball last season with stud closer Emmanuel Clase flanked by Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis and Tim Herrin, among others. Sewald joins the bunch for 2025. 

Angels add former All-Star

Free agent infielder Tim Anderson has signed a minor-league deal with the Angels, reports USA Today. 

It’s been a quick fall for Anderson. He had a career-high 4.7 WAR in 2021 with the White Sox and made the All-Star team while hitting .301 in 2022. He posted -2.0 WAR in 2023 before the White Sox let him walk in free agency. With the Marlins last year, he hit .214/.237/.226 (27 OPS+) with -1.5 WAR in 65 games. He’ll turn 32 in June, so there’s still time to resurrect his career.