Tampa Bay Rays: What to do with Tyler Glasnow

In theory, the Tampa Bay Rays have an easy decision to make with Tyler Glasnow. He is easily the ace of the staff when healthy, someone that has the ability to be the top of the rotation arm that they need. The problem has been keeping Glasnow on the mound as he has eclipsed 100 innings just once in his six years in the majors.

That will be the case again in 2022. Glasnow suffered a partially torn UCL in June, and after an unsuccessful attempt at rehab, underwent Tommy John surgery. That procedure will keep him on the shelf for the upcoming season with an eye towards being healthy once again for 2023.

Tampa Bay Rays have easy decision with Tyler Glasnow

Glasnow is projected to earn $5.8 million this year in arbitration. As he will not pitch at all, he will likely earn the same amount in 2023. That would bring his total to $11.6 million, or thereabouts, for what would be his final season before free agency, an affordable amount for an ace caliber pitcher. But these are the Rays – every penny makes a difference when it comes to their payroll.

With that being the case, there is some thought that the Rays could look to trade Glasnow. That $5.8 million in what would essentially be dead money could be an issue with their budget. However, even for the Rays, trading Glasnow to free up space in their budget does not make any sense.

First, there is a matter of what a team would give up for Glasnow. While he may be an ace caliber pitcher when healthy, and he does have two years of team control left, he would essentially be a rental considering he is out for the upcoming season. Even then, no one can guarantee that he will be healthy in 2023 given his track record. That would limit the return that the Rays could get.

Second, that dollar amount over two years is a possible bargain. A pitcher of Glasnow’s caliber, even with his injury history, would cost far more than what the Rays would hypothetically be paying over the next two seasons. As a franchise that looks for bargains anywhere possible, it would make sense to keep one that is already on the roster.

Finally, even that salary should not be that much of a detriment to the Rays. Glasnow is a worthwhile gamble at that price as he could easily be the piece needed to bring a championship to Tampa Bay. Even a team as cost conscious as the Rays needs to occasionally take a leap of faith with the checkbook.

There is some thought that the Tampa Bay Rays could look to trade Tyler Glasnow. Such an idea would not make sense for several reasons.