Country Star Helped Dodgers Land Ace Pitcher in Trade

Three-time Grammy winner Brad Paisley played a key role in the Dodgers acquiring Tyler Glasnow from the Rays.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:23am

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An extreme close-up of a baseball pitcher mid-throw, with vibrant neon-colored brushstrokes capturing the raw power and motion of the delivery. The pitcher's face and uniform are obscured, focusing the viewer's attention on the dynamic action of the pitch.An artistic rendering of the dynamic energy and athleticism that has made Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow a key part of the team's recent championship success.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays in December 2023, with outfielder Manuel Margot and cash also changing hands. Glasnow has been a crucial part of the Dodgers' back-to-back World Series wins in 2024 and 2025, and the story behind his arrival in LA involves an unlikely participant - three-time Grammy award-winning country music star Brad Paisley.

Why it matters

The Dodgers have been one of the most dominant teams in baseball in recent years, and Glasnow's acquisition has played a big role in their success. Paisley's involvement in the trade negotiations highlights the sometimes unconventional ways that major deals can come together in professional sports.

The details

According to Paisley, he invited Rays front office executives, including president of baseball operations Erik Neander, to his house to help finalize the trade with Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. The negotiations lasted until 4 a.m., with one Rays executive even ending up with their 'face planted in the front yard' after calling an Uber. Friedman later called Paisley to thank him for his role in getting the deal done.

  • The Dodgers acquired Glasnow from the Rays in December 2023.
  • Glasnow has been with the Dodgers for the past three seasons (2024-2026).
  • The Dodgers won the World Series in 2024 and 2025 with Glasnow as a key part of their rotation.

The players

Tyler Glasnow

A right-handed pitcher who has been a crucial part of the Dodgers' success since being acquired from the Rays in 2023, including helping the team win back-to-back World Series titles in 2024 and 2025.

Brad Paisley

A three-time Grammy award-winning country music star who played an unexpected role in helping the Dodgers acquire Glasnow from the Rays by hosting the trade negotiations at his home.

Andrew Friedman

The president of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who worked with Paisley to finalize the trade that brought Glasnow to the team.

Erik Neander

The president of baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays, who was involved in the trade negotiations at Paisley's home.

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What they’re saying

“Eight Tampa Bay Rays front office people walk in, and we've already got about 30 Dodgers. They stayed till four in the morning and called an Uber, one of the front office people with one of the team's faces planted in the front yard.”

— Brad Paisley, Country Music Star

“You get the assists.”

— Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to continue their success and pursue a third straight World Series title in the 2026 season with Glasnow anchoring their pitching rotation.

The takeaway

This story highlights the unconventional ways that major sports deals can come together, with an unlikely celebrity playing a key role in helping the Dodgers acquire a crucial piece of their championship-winning teams. It also underscores the Dodgers' commitment to building a winning roster through creative transactions.