For the Los Angeles Dodgers, the quest to win another World Series appears to potentially be taking another big step, thanks in part to a rumored trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers-Tampa Bay Rays trade coming together?
Here's the breakdown of the proposed trade, which is still in the works at the time of this writing.
Can confirm #Rays are in active talks with #Dodgers, but nothing is done. Trade as reported would send Glasnow and Margot to LA for RHP Ryan Pepiot and OF Jonny DeLuca.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) December 13, 2023
That's Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot from the Rays, by the way, both of whom would certainly be solid additions for the Dodgers, especially coming off the signing of Shohei Ohtani to serve as the team's designated hitter in 2024 and beyond. While Margot will boost the Los Angeles outfield and batting order, it is Glasnow that comes into the crosshairs of the biggest part of the deal.
Glasnow will be a key piece of the Los Angeles rotation if the deal comes through as the Dodgers need to find answers in their rotation. One of those answers was reportedly Pepiot, a 26-year-old right-hander who made three starts (eight game appearances overall) last season and was expected to take a bigger role in 2024.
Now that role could well go to Glasnow, a pitcher who has never pitched more than 120.0 innings in a season, and that came last year as he went 10-7 with a 3.53 ERA/2.91 FIP/1.083 WHIP in 21 starts. However, it was another season where an injury impacted him, as he began the year on the injured list with an oblique strain. His first start of the year, ironically, came on May 27 against the Dodgers where he lasted 4.1 innings, giving up five hits and three runs.
If the Dodgers make this trade, it's actual value will depend on Glasnow staying healthy in 2024 and beyond. After missing most of the 2022 season with Tommy John surgery, the Dodgers simply must find a way to keep the 30-year-old Glasnow on the mound, beginning next season.