Dodgers Discussing Blockbuster Deal With AL East Squad

The Dodgers are looking to load up this offseason.

The Dodgers are gaining momentum on acquiring ace Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays. The two teams have been discussing a trade for a few days now, but it is not complete. 

This blockbuster deal would send Glasnow and Margot to Los Angeles for outfielder Jonny Deluca and pitcher Ryan Pepiot. MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirmed the pieces being discussed.

The Dodgers are discussing a trade in which they would get RHP Tyler Glasnow and OF Manuel Margot from the Rays for RHP Ryan Pepiot and OF Jonny Deluca, sources tell @TheAthletic. Deal not complete. Changes possible. Financial exchange likely. On it: @Bnicklaus7, @AzoulayHaron

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2023

If this trade does go down, the Dodgers would be getting the ace-level pitcher that they have been coveting all offseason. Glasnow has nasty stuff on the mound but does come with some injury concerns. 

He started 21 games for the Rays last season, posting an ERA of 3.53. Glasnow pitched 120 innings, putting up a WHIP of 1.08 and striking out 162 batters along the way,

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021, Glasnow returned to form in 2023. He is entering the final year of his contract, and if acquired, the Dodgers would owe him $25 million for the season.

The two sides could look to possibly discuss an extension at some point, or just see how things play out. 

One big issue with Glasnow has also been his postseason performances. Through 10 appearances, Glasnow holds an ERA of 5.72 and a record of 2-6. 

However, the Dodgers must feel confident in his ability if they are looking to acquire him. Working with the Dodgers pitching staff, Glasnow has the perfect kind of skillset that can be used to mow down an opposing playoff lineup.

As for Margot, he appeared in 99 games last season for Tampa Bay, hitting .264 with four home runs and 38 runs batted in. He has power potential, despite his low total in 2023, and has shown the ability to make an impact on the base paths.

Losing both Pepiot and Deluca is a steep price here, but the Dodgers are in a win-now mode. This is a way to bring in more veteran talent to help them win in the short term. 

After signing Shohei Ohtani to his record-setting contract, LA owes it to themselves to go all-in. If this trade does go through, they would be vastly improving their rotation, but there is no reason to believe that they are done shoring it up just yet.