The New York Yankees desperately need some victories this offseason after a disappointing 2023 season. Trading for a name-brand starter like Tyler Glasnow from the divison rival Tampa Bay Rays would make even George Steinbrenner proud. Glasnow is entering the final year of his contract, set to earn $25 million, which would be a franchise record for the Rays.
Glasnow missed half of 2021 and almost all of 2022 with elbow issues and a subsequent surgery before returning to throw 120.0 innings in 2023. The 6-foot-8 righty was back to his old self, pitching to a 3.53 ERA (2.91 FIP), striking out 162 batters.
Even more encouraging, the righty seemed to show no signs of rust, walking just 7.6 percent of the batters he faced, a new career low. Glasnow's stuff is electric, averaging 96.4 mph on his fastball, and earning a Stuff+ grade of 152 on his curveball. Batters managed a measly .095 batting average against his hellacious curveball.
Given the small-market tendencies of the Tampa Bay Rays, it is highly unlikely that Tyler Glasnow will be employed by them for another full season
Acquired at the trade deadline in 2018 in a huge deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates (in exchange for Chris Archer), Glasnow has been a frontline starter for the Rays since. Now, facing a $25 million price tag, the Rays could look to recoup some of that value in the form of prospects.
While the Yankees and Rays are division rivals historically, a swap may be advantegous for both teams in this spot. With Luis Severino likely moving to a different team this winter, a rotation spot is open. Glasnow would more than admirably fill that spot. In terms of prospects, the Rays would seemingly favor big-league ready or upper-level prospects, given the team's competitive window. Could the conversation start at Drew Thorpe and Trey Sweeney? Sweeney is a bit of a luxury at the moment with Anthony Volpe, Gleyber Torres, DJ LeMahieu, and Oswald Peraza set to occupy the non-first base infield spots. Thorpe ascended to Double-A in his first full pro season, making five stars in Somerset to round out the season. MLB Pipeline named Thorpe as the Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year for his efforts. Still, the righty is at least two years away from making an impact, and fans are growing impatient.
Might Cashman pull the trigger on a potential overpay to appease the fans? Or will Hal Steinbrenner put the pressure on Cashman to make a huge splash? Acquiring Glasnow would be a huge step in the right direction, regardless of the price.