Shohei Ohtani’s Recruiting Pays off for Dodgers as Tyler Glasnow Trade Nears Completion
In his first week as a Dodger, Shohei Ohtani has wasted no time in making his mark on the organization. Not only has the two-way superstar expressed his desire for the team to continue adding talent, but he has also taken matters into his own hands by actively recruiting players to join him in Los Angeles.
According to sources, Ohtani sent a video to Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow, expressing his wish for them to share a rotation this season. The video also included Ohtani’s promise to hit home runs for Glasnow. The gesture seems to have been effective, as the Dodgers have been engaged in trade conversations with the Rays for close to a week.
The trade, which is yet to be finalized, would see Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot come to Los Angeles in exchange for pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny DeLuca. However, the deal is contingent on Glasnow signing a long-term contract extension that would reportedly pay him an additional $110 million over the next four years.
Ohtani’s efforts to strengthen the team have not gone unnoticed, as Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged the impact of Ohtani’s recruiting. “It was important to Shohei that this wasn’t the one move we were going to make,” said Friedman.
In addition to his recruiting efforts, Ohtani has also been instrumental in the Dodgers’ pursuit of Japanese free-agent right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Sources indicate that Ohtani’s contract structure, which includes massive deferrals, has allowed the Dodgers the financial flexibility to pursue additional talent.
For Ohtani, who has been vocal about his desire for championships and for the club to build around him, this trade represents his first successful pitch as a Dodger. By actively participating in the team’s recruitment efforts, Ohtani has added a third dimension to his game and has proven to be a valuable recruiting coordinator for the Dodgers.
As the trade for Glasnow nears completion, it’s clear that Ohtani’s impact on the team extends beyond his on-field performance. His proactive approach to building a competitive roster has helped the Dodgers take significant steps towards solidifying their pitching staff and strengthening the team as a whole.