Tanner Scott #66 of the San Diego Padres
Dodgers Land Tanner Scott in Blockbuster Move, Solidifying Bullpen for 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers are wasting no time reshaping their roster for another championship run. On Sunday, the team agreed to terms with left-handed closer Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million deal, solidifying their bullpen with one of the most dominant relievers on the market. The move comes just days after the Dodgers won the bidding war for Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, signaling their intent to build on their 2024 World Series triumph.
Scott’s Journey to LA
Tanner Scott, 30, is coming off a career year split between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, where he posted a dazzling 1.74 ERA over 72 appearances. His 22 saves and 53 strikeouts in just 45.2 innings earned him his first All-Star nod in 2024 and made him one of the most sought-after names on the free-agent market.
Originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, Scott’s early career was marked by inconsistency. However, his 2024 breakout campaign proved he could dominate in high-leverage situations. Across eight seasons, Scott has compiled a 31-24 record, a 3.56 ERA, and 55 career saves, with much of his success coming in recent years.
Dodgers Outmaneuver Competition
The Dodgers faced stiff competition for Scott’s services. According to reports, the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays were both in hot pursuit of the southpaw. The Cubs reportedly offered a lucrative multi-year deal exceeding the $43 million contract they gave Craig Kimbrel in 2019, while the Blue Jays were among the finalists for both Scott and Sasaki.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com first reported the news on Sunday, with Jon Heyman of the New York Post confirming the Dodgers’ victory in the sweepstakes. Scott’s decision to join Los Angeles solidifies the team’s bullpen, which already boasts a deep roster of high-leverage arms.
Bolstering a Championship Bullpen
Scott’s addition creates a logjam of talent in the Dodgers’ bullpen. Evan Phillips served as the team’s primary closer for much of 2024, while midseason acquisition Michael Kopech and postseason standout Blake Treinen also handled ninth-inning duties. The team has embraced a closer-by-committee approach in recent years, a strategy that proved successful during their latest championship run.
Scott’s ability to handle both closing and set-up duties gives manager Dave Roberts even more flexibility in deploying his bullpen. His strikeout-heavy repertoire—highlighted by a blistering fastball and devastating slider—makes him a formidable weapon in any late-game situation.
What’s Next for the Dodgers?
The Dodgers’ offseason moves send a clear message: they’re all-in for 2025. The addition of Scott, paired with the signing of Roki Sasaki, addresses two of the team’s most pressing needs. Sasaki brings ace potential to a rotation that already features Walker Buehler and Julio Urías, while Scott ensures the bullpen remains among the league’s elite.
As the reigning World Series champions, the Dodgers are under immense pressure to repeat. The NL West will be no walk in the park, with the Padres and Giants both making aggressive moves this offseason. However, with their latest acquisitions, Los Angeles appears well-equipped to fend off challengers and make another deep postseason run.
Scott’s Role in 2025
Scott’s presence gives the Dodgers multiple options for late-game situations, but his contract suggests the team views him as a cornerstone of their bullpen. Whether he assumes the closer role outright or continues as a versatile high-leverage reliever, Scott’s impact on the Dodgers’ chances for back-to-back titles cannot be overstated.
With spring training just weeks away, Dodgers fans have plenty to be excited about. Tanner Scott is the latest piece of a championship puzzle that’s coming together beautifully, and the team looks poised to add yet another chapter to its storied history.
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