Report: Dodgers close to acquiring top starting pitcher

Aug 16, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of Los Angeles Dodgers hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers have turned their attention toward pitching help now that they have signed Shohei Ohtani, and they are reportedly on the verge of adding a potential ace.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirmed reports on Wednesday that the Dodgers are working toward a deal to acquire starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays. The news was first reported by Bruce Kuntz and Jack Azoulay-Haron on Tuesday night.

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

There is an expectation that the Rays will trade Glasnow this winter, largely because he is owed $25 million next season. Tampa Bay consistently has one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, so they will likely flip Glasnow for prospects before paying him a high salary.

The 30-year-old Glasnow has a long injury history, but he made 21 starts for the Rays in 2023. He posted a 3.53 ERA in 120 innings with 162 strikeouts.

Rays star outfielder Randy Arozarena sparked rumors about him potentially being traded to the Dodgers with a social media post on Tuesday, but it does not appear he would be part of the proposed Glasnow deal.

In addition to pursuing Glasnow, the Dodgers also reportedly have their eye on a top closer.