TL;DR - Scouting Report
The Dodgers secure top free agent reliever Tanner Scott in a $72 million deal, bolstering their bullpen for 2025 as they aim for a championship repeat.
Start the Rally: Tweet This Now!The Dodgers have leveraged their star-studded roster by reportedly signing left-handed relief pitcher Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal, further solidifying their pursuit of a championship repeat in 2025 amid talks of the beginning of a dynasty.
MLB Network insider Mark Feinsand reported the news on X, via a source.
Scott’s deal, like many others the Dodgers have signed recently, includes deferred money and a signing bonus, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya via X.
Tanner Scott’s 2024 Performance: A Game-Changer
Scott, 30, was arguably one of baseball’s top relief pitchers in 2024, splitting time with the Marlins and Padres. Between the two teams he went 9-6 with a 1.75 ERA, 22 saves, 2.92 FIP, 1.125 WHIP and 10.5 K/9.
The Marlins traded Scott at the end of July, pairing him with Bryan Hoeing in exchange for Jay Beshears, Robby Snelling, Adam Mazur and Graham Pauley.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan adds that once the deal is official, the Dodgers’ luxury-tax payroll for 2025 will exceed $375 million, about $70 million more than the Phillies and Yankees, the two other teams projected to be north of $300 million.
A Perfect Offseason? The Dodgers Focusing on Championship Aspirations
Scott was the best free free agent reliever available on the market, and will join a Dodgers team that arguably can say it has notched down a “perfect offseason” depending on who you ask.
The bullpen is expected to consist of Scott, Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, Anthony Banda, Ryan Brasier, Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia among others. This in tandem with the projected starting rotation of Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki and Tony Gonsolin.
To date, the offseason has included the Dodgers bringing Scott, Snell and Sasaki on board to a team that mostly returns its entire World Championship team. Hyeseong Kim is expected to replace Gavin Lux, while Michael Conforto was added to an outfield mix including a returning Teoscar Hernandez.
What’s Next for the Dodgers in Free Agency?
Still on the agenda are free agents Kike Hernandez and Clayton Kershaw, who have been rumored to be awaiting the start of Spring Training, when injury roster moves can be made. This will then free up two spots for the Dodgers to bring the veterans back on board.
Dodgers Dish
- Tanner Scott’s 2024 stats: 1.75 ERA, 22 saves, 10.5 K/9
- Dodgers’ projected payroll: $375 million, highest in MLB history
- Key offseason additions: Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Roki Sasaki and Michael Conforto
Your Turn: Why has this been a “perfect offseason” for the Dodgers? Is there anything missing from it? Drop your your thoughts below in the comments!
