On the heels of formally introducing Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers traded Jonny DeLuca and Ryan Pepiot to the Tampa Bay Rays for Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot.
Much of the attention given to the trade surrounded around Pepiot and Glasnow. Pepiot emerged as a key contributor for the Dodgers’ starting rotation, but Glasnow offers more upside as an ace when healthy. The Dodgers signed Glasnow to a five-year contract extension as part of the trade.
Shortly after the Dodgers and Rays finalized their deal, Pepiot posted on Instagram to thank his former teammates and coaches, and express his excitement for joining the Rays.
DeLuca followed suit with his own social media post.
DeLuca was among the players to make his MLB debut with the Dodgers during the 2023 season. He joined the team from Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 4 as the corresponding move to Trayce Thompson going on the 10-day injured list.
DeLuca was optioned back to OKC six weeks later but quickly returned when Jake Marisnick landed on the IL as well. DeLuca was on the Dodgers roster only for one week before going on the IL himself, and he was ultimately activated and optioned to Oklahoma City at the end of August.
Jonny DeLuca’s career with Dodgers
The Dodgers selected DeLuca out of the University of Oregon in the 25th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. The Agoura Hills native fared well throughout the Minor Leagues but only ended up appearing in 25 games for the Dodgers.
DeLuca batted .262/.311/.429 with one double, two home runs and six RBI during that span. DeLuca’s highlights with the Dodgers included his first career home run at Dodger Stadium and making impressive catches at Globe Life Field during a game against the Texas Rangers.
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