The Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays addressed a clear need in their starting rotation, but the inclusion of Manuel Margot in the trade was somewhat of a curious fit.
Margot’s production over recent seasons was nothing that stood out and it arguably could have been provided by Jonny DeLuca under more team-friendly terms. The Dodgers included DeLuca with Ryan Pepiot in their trade with the Rays.
General manager Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts nevertheless spoke optimistically about what Margot would provide to the team this season as a versatile outfielder.
Margot was in the Dodgers lineup for Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies but has since been scratched and traded to the Minnesota Twins, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
Margot was under contract for this season and the Dodgers also held a $12 million team option for 2025. That included a $2 million buyout if the Dodgers declined their option on Margot’s contract.
In that event, the buyout cost was to be covered by the Rays, but the Dodgers were not due to receive the $2 million until Aug. 1, 2026.
Margot only appeared in 97 games for the Rays last season due to missing time with an elbow injury late in the year. He underwhelmed in some regard offensively, posting a 93 wRC+ in 336 plate appearances.
The Dodgers figured to maximize Margot’s potential against left-handed pitching, to which he’s posted a 109 wRC+ in his career.
What Manuel Margot trade means for Dodgers
By trading Margot, the Dodgers have created an opportunity for a right-handed hitting outfielder on their active roster. That could be to re-sign Kiké Hernández, who reportedly was down to deciding between the Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Twins and San Diego Padres.
Another possibility is Miguel Vargas, who is in the process of becoming an everyday left fielder, or potentially creating an opportunity for Andy Pages or another non-roster player in camp.
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