Dodgers Bet Big on Scott, Forging a Fearsome Relief Core
The Los Angeles Dodgers doubled down on their quest for another World Series title, signing left-handed flamethrower Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract. This significant investment, reportedly including a $20 million signing bonus and deferred payments, cements Scott’s place as a core piece of the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Scott, selected sixth overall in the 2014 draft by the Miami Marlins, has emerged as a dominant force in recent seasons. MLBTR ranked him the 14th best free agent available, predicting a four-year, $56 million deal. The Dodgers clearly saw his potential, eclipsing those projections with a contract that reflects his current elite status.
The numbers speak for themselves: over the past two seasons, Scott boasts a sparkling 1.75 ERA, a 2.92 FIP, and a staggering 28.6% strikeout rate. His 2023 campaign was particularly impressive, striking out 33.9% of batters faced while posting a 2.31 ERA and a 2.17 FIP. Among qualified relievers, these numbers place him among the league’s best, ranking fourth in ERA and fifth in FIP over the past two seasons.
While Scott’s command has been a work in progress, recent improvements indicate a positive trajectory. His ability to limit hard-hit balls and reduce batted ball exit velocities suggests a sustained approach to better control.
The Dodgers have firsthand experience with Scott’s potency. He dominated in the 2023 NLDS against the Dodgers while pitching for the San Diego Padres, striking out Shohei Ohtani and allowing no runs across three scoreless innings. With Scott now in the fold, a formidable late-inning bullpen strengthens the Dodgers’ already formidable roster. Alongside Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, and Alex Vesia, Scott represents a fearsome lineup of relievers capable of silencing even the toughest opposing lineups.
The Dodgers’ investment in Scott pushes their 2025 payroll to just under $369 million and their luxury tax payroll to just under $371 million. These figures surpass even their already record-breaking 2024 payroll by over $40 million. The Dodgers join the Phillies and Yankees as the only teams with a luxury tax payroll exceeding $300 million, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to fielding a World Series-caliber team year after year.
With the closer market increasingly crowded, Scott’s signing leaves Carlos Estévez, Kirby Yates, and other top relievers available in free agency. The Red Sox, Braves, Cubs, Rangers, and Diamondbacks are among the teams rumored to be seeking bullpen reinforcements, highlighting the significant impact Scott’s departure has on the free agency landscape.
The Dodgers, however, have positioned themselves for success with a roster stacked with talent at every position, including a bullpen that now boasts one of the most exciting and dominant arms in all of baseball.