Days after signing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to a record-setting $700 million deal, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made yet another blockbuster move.
Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Dodgers have acquired superstar pitcher Tyler Glasnow and star outfielder Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny Deluca.
Passan added that the deal is “contingent on” the Dodgers signing Glasnow to a contract extension. The 30-year-old Glasnow has one season remaining on his contract.
Starting pitching was a pressing need for the Dodgers entering the offseason. Ace Walker Buehler is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will return at some point in 2024. Ohtani, who also underwent Tommy John surgery, will not be pitching next year.
As well, franchise icon Clayton Kershaw remains a free agent as he prepares to enter his age-36 season. It remains to be seen if the Dodgers will retain the future Hall of Famer.
Trading star pitchers before they enter free agency is nothing new for the Rays. They did so with AL Cy Young winners David Price (traded to the Detroit Tigers) in 2014 and Blake Snell (traded to the San Diego Padres) in 2020.
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Last season, Glasnow went 10-7 with a 3.53 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 120 innings pitched. Margot, a superb contact hitter who rarely strikes out, batted .264 last season four homers and 38 RBI to go along with a .686 OPs.
