Reds no longer favorites to land Tyler Glasnow as trade talks materialize

The Cincinnati Reds were linked to Tampa Bay Rays starter Tyler Glasnow early and often this offseason. In need of a frontline starter, Cincinnati was a logical trade destination.

But now, a new player has emerged in the Glasnow sweepstakes. It appears as though the Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their massive free agent deal with Shohei Ohtani, are likely to land Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers and Rays are discussing a trade that would send Glasnow and Margot to LA while Ryan Pepiot and Jonny Deluca would be headed to the Sunshine State. The deal has yet to be finalized.

Dodgers, not the Reds, a likely to trade for Tyler Glasnow

After structuring Shohei Ohtani's new deal the way they did, Los Angeles allowed themselves to continue to add to their roster. The Dodgers oft-injured pitching staff was the team's Achilles heel in 2023, and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is looking to shore up LA's rotation this offseason.

The Cincinnati Reds were always a possibile landing spot for Tyler Glasnow. Cincinnati's starting rotation incurred numerous injuries itself last season and adding a frontline starter like Glasnow was seen as a priority this winter.

However, the $25-million contract was always a bit scary, espeically for a small market team like the Reds. Throw in the fact that Glasnow has yet to eclipse 150 innings pitched and is coming off an injury-riddled 2023 campaign, and the Reds' hesitancy is all of the sudden justified.

If the Los Angeles Dodgers do indeed complete the trade for Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot, look for the Cincinnati Reds to turn their attention to Shane Bieber. Like Glasnow, Bieber would be a one-year rental and enter free agency after the 2024 season.

However, Bieber has been rumored to be interested in signing a contract extension if traded. His 2024 salary is also assumed to be about half of what Glasnow is owed. The former Cy Young Award-winner may vault to the front of the line once Glasnow comes off the board.