MLB Network Analyst Thinks Tyler Glasnow Signing is Bigger Risk for Dodgers Than Shohei Ohtani
Very few signings in any sport come with no downside, and the more expensive the player, the greater the risk. Over the past few years, the Dodgers have done well in only handing out big contracts to players such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Betts and Freeman play every day and are consistently the best at what they do. This makes their contracts two of the best in baseball.
This year, the front office changed their approach by signing Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow to massive deals. While both represent the best that baseball has to offer, both come with tremendous risk when looking at return on investment.
Glasnow and Ohtani have had their share of injuries in the past. Ohtani has undergone two major arm surgeries, and Glasnow has dealt with elbow issues in the past, plus an oblique injury last season.
If they can stay healthy, then the Dodgers have themselves two more superstars in their organization. Dan Plesac of MLB Network mirrored this sentiment and believes that Glasnow, not Ohtani, has more risk attached to him,
“I think there’s more risk in this signing than the Ohtani signing,” Plesac said. “Love the pitcher. When he’s healthy, he’s a difference-maker. He’s one of the 10 best-starting pitchers when you look at sheer stuff in the game of baseball when he’s healthy. But it’s hard to look at the amount of innings pitched since 2019. It’s hard to say, ‘OK, what are we gonna get?’ Last year was 120 innings. I think the Dodgers — we’ve cut back expectations on starting pitchers — I think that the Dodgers feel they get 120-150 good quality innings out of him, they’ll think it’s worth the price.”
Dan Plesac of MLB Network
How big of a risk is Glasnow for the Dodgers?
Glasnow’s arm injury has been the subject of much conversation in his career. Many speculated that he suffered two different arm injuries that needed repair. In a recent interview, Glasnow revealed he’s had the same injury dating back to 2019.
It’s been one arm injury all along, and now it feels better than ever, according to him.
However, the oblique issue does present its own set of problems. Being every inch of 6’8″, he naturally has more soft tissue that can be damaged. He had the same injury that sidelined Ryan Pepiot for the majority of the 2023 season.
Predicting soft tissue injuries is nearly impossible, as they can happen to anyone at any time. However, the Dodgers do have one of the best medical support staffs in baseball. If any team can keep a player healthy, it’s Los Angeles.
Furthermore, the organization should have one main goal: getting to October rested and healthy. No one will bat an eye if Glasnow throws 120 innings, but is ready to take the mound healthy in the playoffs. The Dodgers have proven their mastery in the regular season, and now it’s all about getting over the hump in October.
Lastly, as a fun piece of party trivia, Tyler Glasnow currently ranks 24th in starting pitchers’ salaries for 2024. Chris Sale, Jacob DeGrom, and Max Scherzer will all make more money than Glasnow, and the last two won’t make a start until the middle of the season.
Moving forward into 2025, Glasnow ranks 6th in the same category, and he’ll likely drop after more free agents sign that offseason.
Summary
All players have risks, and the Dodgers have been some of the best at mitigating those risks. Tyler Glasnow feels as healthy as he ever has and signed a rather team-friendly deal.
The Dodgers will likely deploy more than five pitchers in their starting rotation for 2024. That will be so they can keep their stars healthy heading into the postseason.
Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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