BREAKING: Dodgers & Rays Finalizing Blockbuster Trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the brink of a significant trade, eyeing to acquire pitcher Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers would send pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny Deluca to the Rays in exchange.

This deal, still in discussions, is not finalized and could undergo changes, including possible financial adjustments.

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

Manuel Margot's inclusion in the trade has financial implications for the Rays, potentially saving them an additional $12 million ($10M in 2024, $12M club option with a $2M buyout in 2025), depending on the cash involved in the deal.

Margot while not superb on the offensive side, is extremely consistent, holding a .263/.316/.378 triple-slash line, 18 home runs, 142 RBIs, and 29 stolen bases across the past three seasons (313 games) with Tampa Bay.

On the Dodgers' side, this acquisition is part of a broader strategy.

Dodgers are actively trying to acquire Tyler Glasnow from the Rays pic.twitter.com/rkpWwJJTnT
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) December 13, 2023

After adding $46 million for Shohei Ohtani, the team's payroll will see an additional $30-$35 million increase with Glasnow and Margot, bringing their total to approximately $250 million.

This places them above the first tier of the luxury tax but not the second. Despite the significant investment, the Dodgers are still in a position to make more moves, possibly adding Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Last season, Glasnow recorded a 3.53 ERA across 21 starts.

Over the past three seasons, despite missing a lot of time due to injury, the 30-year-old holds a strong 3.10 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 295 strikeouts across 214.2 innings and 37 starts. Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports