Tyler Glasnow’s Journey and Future with the Dodgers

Last fall marked a significant high point in Tyler Glasnow’s decade-long MLB career.

After sitting out the 2024 postseason due to an injury, Glasnow returned healthy and performed well as the Dodgers aimed for their second consecutive World Series title in October. Despite an injury that interrupted his season, he put together a solid performance with a 1.69 ERA across six playoff games. Notably, he made crucial contributions in Game 7 of the World Series, coming out of the bullpen multiple times to help the Dodgers secure what would be a historic championship victory.

So it came as a bit of a surprise when whispers of trade rumors began circulating about the 32-year-old pitcher, who still has three years and over $80 million left on his contract with the team. It led to a brief moment of uncertainty, but that feeling quickly faded after a reassurance from team management in mid-December.

“I found myself asking, ‘What’s going on here?’” Glasnow recounted, referring to the rumors about the team potentially seeking an All-Star player. Some insiders were speculating about a trade involving Tigers star Tarik Skubal.

“They said, ‘Don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere.’ It was straightforward. Short and clear. I felt relieved.”

Glasnow’s hope this winter was to remain unchanged—not switching teams or altering his mindset. He felt that during his impressive October performance, he was finally beginning to feel settled.

“This whole offseason has been about maintaining the status quo,” Glasnow shared during the Dodgers’ Fan Fest event last week. “Stay healthy. There’s no need to shift anything; we just need to build on our postseason success.”

Since joining the Dodgers via a trade with the Rays in December 2023 and signing a five-year, $136.5 million extension, Glasnow has struggled to find consistent pitching mechanics.

Despite an impressive first half of the 2024 season and earning his first All-Star selection, the 6-foot-8 pitcher found himself dissatisfied with his performance. Earlier adjustments he made contributed to a back injury sidelining him for much of the second half. When attempting to return during the playoffs, he encountered elbow issues that ended his season early.

Last season contained more ups and downs as Glasnow aimed to simplify his approach and focus on merely “competing” on the mound.

He faced another setback in late April, landing on the disabled list for three months due to a shoulder injury. A back strain in Baltimore in early September scratched him from a scheduled start, nearly jeopardizing his postseason hopes again.

However, in the final weeks leading up to the postseason, Glasnow made a significant breakthrough. He credited pitching coaches Mark Prior and Connor McGuinness for helping him make subtle yet crucial adjustments to his hip position, alleviating stress on his back while throwing. This came as a welcome change, allowing him more freedom and ease than he had experienced during much of his tenure with the team.

Now, Glasnow feels a renewed confidence in his abilities as a starter. He spent the winter continuing to refine the physical skills that had propelled his successful postseason run, during which he recorded an impressive 1.69 ERA—ranking it third-best among pitchers with at least three playoff appearances.

He’s also not anxious about his long-term prospects, bolstered by the support he sensed from the team when discussing the fleeting trade rumors.

“The offseason is always about pushing myself to improve while feeling good moving forward,” Glasnow noted, mentioning he hasn’t experienced any lingering effects from this hectic offseason. “It’s great to head into spring training. It’s essential to navigate the stresses of the season from start to finish. I’ve been collaborating closely with the training staff and strength coaches to work on my program. I genuinely believe I’m in a good place right now.”