Does a 700-million-dollar contract end most teams spending for the offseason? Yes. Does it stop the Dodgers? No. Even after the record-breaking contract the Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani, they were still not done making noise, acquiring Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, the Rays received pitcher Ryan Pepiot, and outfielder Jonny Deluca.

Pepiot, 26, has split his time in the past, being both part of the rotation and the bullpen. The young pitcher has a solid two pitch combo between his fastball and changeup and is now working on developing a slider. With development still being needed for the young right-hander, the Rays are a perfect landing spot based off their historically good pitching coach staff. One thing to keep in mind, however, is the injury history. Last season, Pepiot got an oblique injury, causing him to miss time. He should be set to return by the start of the 2024 season though.

Turning it over to Deluca, he played solid last year in his glimpses of major league play. The right-hander batted .262 with an OBP of .311 in 42 at-bats, as well as playing all three positions in the outfield. With these perks early in his career, it makes the 25-year-old a promising name for the future. Deluca’s play style is pretty similar to Margot’s in the sense of how they are both contact hitters and solid defenders. Because of the strong similarities, Deluca should be able to fill in Margot’s shoes pretty comfortably, and prove to be a solid ball player for this Tampa Bay Rays club.

Turning it over to the Dodgers side of things. How will they benefit, and where will the two former Rays fill in this highly talented roster? Well, for Tyler Glasnow, it seems as if he will fill in as the No. 2 option behind ace Walker Buehler. The rest of the rotation fills out accordingly: Bobby Miller, Ryan Yarborough, Emmet Sheehan. With Kershaw being out for the first half of the 2024 season, Glasnow has a high name to fill the shoes of. The former Ray brings a strong arm that this Dodger team has been in need of. 

One lingering concern though is Glasnow's injury history. The right hander is known for a strong trend of injuries. In 2021, Glasnow had to get season ending Tommy John surgery, making him unavailable for the playoffs. Just this last season, Glasnow got knocked down with a Grade 2 oblique strain. If Glasnow can stay healthy, it will be a worthwhile contract for the blue and white.

Piece two of the trade, Manuel Margot, is a contact bat that fits in well with this Dodger ballclub. In Tampa Bay, Margot split time between starting in the outfield, and a top bench bat option. A similar roll seems to be upon him in Los Angeles. With Mookie Betts likely staying at second base for most of the season, Margot will have a better chance getting playing time in the starting lineup, especially when a left-hander is on the bump.

The Dodgers will have even more to look forward to in 2025. Their potential rotation could involve the following: Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Bobby Miller. For now, however, 2024 is the only year on the Dodgers mind.