Dodgers Secure Tanner Scott with a Major 4-Year Contract Deal
The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken another significant step in strengthening their pitching staff with the addition of left-handed relief ace Tanner Scott. According to reliable sources, the Dodgers have agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal with Scott, following a highly productive few seasons that have made him one of the most coveted arms in the bullpen market. Although the Dodgers have yet to officially confirm the deal, this move signals their continued commitment to reinforcing their pitching depth for the upcoming seasons.
Over the last two years, Scott has firmly established himself as one of the game's elite relievers. After stints with both the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, the 30-year-old southpaw has consistently ranked among the best in the league in key pitching metrics. His whiff rate, a critical indicator of his swing-and-miss ability, has been an impressive 34.7% over the past two seasons, placing him in the 90th percentile or higher. Scott’s high-velocity four-seamer, which often sits in the high 90s, was particularly lethal last year, allowing only a .134 batting average and a .179 slugging percentage. These numbers are some of the best in the league among pitchers who threw at least 300 four-seamers, showcasing Scott’s dominance on the mound.
In addition to his fastball, Scott's slider—clocking in the high 80s—complements his fastball with an additional vertical drop that leaves hitters guessing. His unique combination of pitches has resulted in a remarkable 51.2% ground-ball rate since the beginning of 2023. His consistency in getting batters to swing and miss, coupled with his ability to induce weak contact, has made him a top target for teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
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Scott’s journey to becoming a key relief piece has not been without challenges. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round of the 2014 MLB Draft, Scott spent five seasons with the Orioles, where he posted a 4.73 ERA and a .738 opponents’ OPS. However, after being traded to Miami in 2022, Scott’s career took a positive turn. He quickly assumed the role of closer for the Marlins and recorded 20 saves in his first season with the team, despite some control issues. His strikeout rate, however, improved dramatically in 2023, reaching a career-high 35.3% chase rate—ranking him third in the MLB.
Last season, Scott continued to shine, compiling a stellar 2.31 ERA and a .527 opponents’ OPS. His excellent performance earned him an All-Star selection, and his numbers improved even further after a midseason trade to the Padres. Scott finished the year with a 1.75 ERA and a significantly lower 25.7% hard-hit rate, highlighting his evolution as a reliable high-leverage arm.
This signing by the Dodgers comes after they recently added Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, further indicating their intention to create a pitching powerhouse. The move to secure Scott, one of the most dominant relievers in the game, completes their bullpen revamp and should provide manager Dave Roberts with another weapon in late-inning situations.
While other teams, including the Cubs and Braves, had shown interest in Scott, it appears the Dodgers won the bidding war, ensuring they add yet another elite pitcher to their already loaded roster. The agreement also reflects the Dodgers’ aggressive approach to filling key roster spots, solidifying their status as a perennial World Series contender.
For Scott, this contract represents a well-deserved payoff after his remarkable rise in the bullpen ranks. As one of the top free-agent relievers available this offseason, his new deal positions him as a cornerstone piece in the Dodgers’ bullpen, ready to make a lasting impact on their championship aspirations in the years to come.
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