Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca Join Tampa Bay Rays
2 min read
FILE - Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of Game 1 in an AL wild-card baseball playoff series game Oct. 3, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Los Angeles Dodgers have a tentative trade with the Rays to acquire right-hander Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot for pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfield prospect Jonny Deluca, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca, two young and talented baseball players, were recently traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. The news came as a surprise to both players, who were not expecting to be traded. Initially, they experienced a mix of emotions, including sadness at leaving their first professional home and excitement about the new opportunity with the Rays.
The Rays’ management acknowledged that Pepiot and DeLuca were not only their greatest return but also their greatest fit. They are well-positioned to step in and contribute to the team’s success in the near term. Pepiot could potentially fill the spot left vacant by Tyler Glasnow in the Rays’ starting rotation, while DeLuca would be a natural replacement for Manuel Margot in the outfield.
As news of the trade spread, both players received numerous messages and calls from friends and family, all asking the same question: “Is this true?” They were unsure until a Dodgers official confirmed that a deal was possible but not yet complete. It was then that they reached out to each other, sharing updates and offering support.
Finding familiar faces in their new team, such as former Dodgers Luke Raley and Garrett Cleavinger, helped ease the transition. They also faced the logistical challenges of moving and finding a new place to live together. Pepiot expressed gratitude for having DeLuca as a friend and teammate, as it made the experience less daunting.
Both players have already received warm welcomes from the Rays’ front office, manager Kevin Cash, coaches, and staff. They are looking forward to joining the team in a few months and proving their worth as valuable additions to the Rays.
In related news, the Rays are actively discussing the trade involving Tyler Glasnow with the Dodgers. The team is also considering how to use openers in the upcoming season, and they have high hopes for Ryan Pepiot as he starts fresh with the Rays.
