Dodgers Sign Left-Hander Tanner Scott to Four-Year Deal
Dodgers Ink Left-Hander Free Agent Market: In-Depth Position-by-Position Rankings”>Tanner Scott to Four-Year, $72MM Deal
The Los Angeles Dodgers have further bolstered their roster, signing left-hander Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72MM contract, as first reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The deal includes a $20MM signing bonus and $21MM in deferred money, along with a conditional club option for the 2029 season in the event of a qualifying injury and no trade, as per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
Scott, 30, was the 6th overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Miami Marlins and rose through the ranks to become one of the game’s most dominant relievers in recent seasons. He was ranked as the 14th best free agent in MLBTR’s annual Top 50 list and was predicted to land a four-year, $56MM deal, but his new contract with the Dodgers surpasses that figure.
The lefty boasts an impressive resume, with a 1.75 ERA, 2.92 FIP, and 28.6% strikeout rate over the past two seasons. His peripherals were even more astounding in 2023, as he struck out 33.9% of opponents and posted a 2.31 ERA with a 2.17 FIP. Among qualified relievers over the past two seasons, Scott ranks fourth in ERA and fifth in FIP.
Scott’s command has been a work in progress throughout his career, but he has shown improvement in that area. He managed to maintain elite status despite walking 12.2% of opponents last season by surrendering fewer barreled balls and hard-hit balls, indicating a sustainable change in his approach.
The Dodgers are no strangers to Scott’s dominance, having faced him in the 2023 NLDS when he pitched three scoreless innings against the club for the Padres, including four strikeouts against Shohei Ohtani. With Scott onboard, the Dodgers will have a formidable bullpen featuring him, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, and Alex Vesia in late-inning roles.
The signing of Scott brings the Dodgers’ 2025 payroll to just under $369MM and their luxury tax payroll to just under $371MM, according to RosterResource. These figures are more than $40MM higher than the 2024 mark, which was already a franchise record. The Dodgers are one of only three teams with a luxury tax payroll above $300MM, alongside the Phillies and Yankees.
With Scott off the market, relievers like Carlos Estévez, Kirby Yates, and others remain available for clubs seeking bullpen help. The Red Sox, Braves, Cubs, Rangers, and Diamondbacks are among the teams rumored to be in the market for late-inning relief.
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Tanner Scott significantly bolsters their bullpen, adding a dominant lefty to a group already boasting remarkable talent. Scott’s elite strikeout rate, impressive ERA, and recent improvements in command make him a valuable asset for a team aiming for another championship run. This signing, coupled with the Dodgers’ continued commitment to spending, solidifies their position as a perennial contender.
what are your thoughts on the Dodgers’ bullpen now? Share your predictions for their 2024 season in the comments below!
FAQ
Who is Tanner Scott? Tanner Scott is a 30-year-old left-handed relief pitcher known for his dominant strikeout ability.
Why did the Dodgers sign Tanner Scott? The Dodgers signed Scott to strengthen their bullpen, adding a proven closer-caliber arm to a team already stacked with pitching talent.
* How much did the Dodgers pay Tanner Scott? The Dodgers signed Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract.
Let us know if you have any other questions about Tanner scott or the Dodgers!
Teh Dodgers made a statement by signing tanner Scott, clearly prioritizing a dominant bullpen presence for their playoff aspirations. This bold move signals their commitment to winning now, locking down one of baseball’s most feared relievers at the height of his powers.While Scott’s command remains a slight concern, his dazzling strikeout rate and recent statistical dominance paint a picture of a pitcher who can be truly electric in high-pressure situations. scott’s impact could be pivotal in leading the Dodgers to the World Series, solidifying their position as a perennial contender in the years to come.