Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers' newest member, took to Instagram to thank the Tampa Bay Rays and their fans. Traded to Tampa by the Pirates, Glasnow spent six years with the Rays becoming one of the best pitchers in baseball.
He went on to say that playing for LA is a dream of his, and he "can't wait to play championship baseball in my hometown."
Heading into the offseason, reports linked Glasnow to the Dodgers almost immediately. The Dodgers needed an ace, and Tampa did not want to pay Glasnow the projected $25 million due to him in arbitration.
They finalized the deal late last week, contingent on Glasnow signing an extension with the Dodgers. The Dodgers and Glasnow inked a 5-year, $136 million deal, with the fifth year being a club option for $30 million.
Glasnow currently headlines the Dodgers rotation. When healthy, he is one of the filthiest pitchers in baseball striking out over 11 batters per nine innings over his career.
In 2023, Glasnow started a career-high 21 games totaling 120.0 innings. The Dodgers hope they can put a plan together to keep Glasnow healthy over the long 162-game season. Whatever that plan looks like, having him healthy and fresh heading into October will no doubt be top of mind for the staff.
Growing up in Santa Clarita, this is a homecoming for the 30-year-old. In LA, he has the opportunity to play a major role for a championship-caliber team for years to come. There may not be a greater motivator than the chance to leave a lasting mark on the team you grew up rooting for.
I expect fans will get raucous watching the 6'8" Glasnow mow down batter after batter at the Ravine.
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