Dodgers Weigh Trading Tyler Glasnow Despite Pitching Depth
While the Los Angeles Dodgers boast one of MLB’s most formidable rosters, trading starter Tyler Glasnow could offer the team a path to further improvement and roster flexibility.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2026 season as one of baseball’s most complete teams, featuring elite pitching, a deep lineup, and championship experience. Many believe the club could return largely intact from last year and still contend for a third straight World Series title. Yet, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has never been content to simply stand pat.
Rumors have surfaced in recent weeks about a potential trade involving starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow, a move that could help the Dodgers further strengthen their roster. Los Angeles already addressed its closer situation by signing star Edwin Diaz, while its starting rotation remains among the deepest in baseball.
Glasnow, 32, is under contract through 2027 with a club option for 2028. Over the past two seasons, he has played a meaningful role in the team’s success, blending high-level stuff with postseason experience. Trading him now, however, could provide Los Angeles with younger position players or top prospects to balance immediate contention with future planning.
The idea of moving Glasnow may seem counterintuitive given his talent, but the Dodgers’ forward-thinking approach often prioritizes roster flexibility. In addition to potential trade returns, Glasnow’s injury history and age present considerations that make this offseason decision more nuanced than it appears on the surface.
1. Pitching Talent Meets Long-Term Concerns
Glasnow was an All-Star in 2024 and remains one of the most physically gifted pitchers in the game when healthy. His fastball velocity and strikeout ability make him a critical piece of any rotation. However, questions about his long-term durability linger. Since debuting in 2016, Glasnow has battled injuries throughout his career. He transitioned to a full-time starter with Tampa Bay in 2018 but has never pitched more than 22 starts in a single season. Even in 2025, when he posted a strong 3.19 ERA, he made only 18 starts. The Dodgers face a balancing act: Glasnow’s performance shows little sign of decline, but his injury history raises the risk of missed time. Trading him while his value is high could maximize return while minimizing future uncertainty. From a purely talent standpoint, Glasnow remains a frontline starter. Yet, the combination of age, injury history, and the Dodgers’ depth makes the idea of a trade a strategically viable option rather than a reflection on his ability.
2. Potential Trade Scenarios
One trade possibility under discussion is packaging Glasnow in a deal for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. While the Tigers might demand top-tier prospects or MLB-ready talent, a Glasnow-centered trade could offer Los Angeles flexibility in negotiations. Even if Skubal remains out of reach, Glasnow could be moved to another team for a mix of younger position players and bullpen depth. The Dodgers’ roster is already strong, but such a deal could enhance flexibility and provide insurance against injuries or regression elsewhere. Friedman and the front office are known for carefully weighing trade returns. The goal would not be to replace Glasnow outright but to strengthen areas of need while maintaining championship-caliber depth. Ultimately, any trade would hinge on timing and market conditions. By acting sooner rather than later, the Dodgers could capitalize on Glasnow’s current performance peak and high trade value.
3. Strategic Considerations for LA
The decision to trade Glasnow is not driven by a lack of confidence in his ability. On the mound, he continues to deliver at a high level and could anchor a rotation through the 2026 season. Instead, the move would reflect a broader philosophy: maintaining flexibility, acquiring younger talent, and ensuring the roster remains competitive in both the short and long term. For a team already stacked, even marginal gains can make the difference in October. From an organizational perspective, the Dodgers have the depth to absorb Glasnow’s absence without compromising competitiveness. The potential return in position players, prospects, or bullpen help could make the roster stronger overall. In a sense, trading Glasnow would be both bold and prudent — maximizing value now while continuing to prioritize sustained success. It is a reflection of the Dodgers’ forward-thinking approach to roster management.