Cody Snavely
For the second time in as many days, the Los Angeles Dodgers are announcing the signing of yet another top free agent, this time for newly signed left-handed relief pitcher Tanner Scott, who signed a 4-year, $72 million contract.
Scott, 30, is the latest member to join the Dodgers this offseason. The Organization, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and General Manager Brandon Gomes, has put its best foot forward to become the first repeat champion since the 2000 New York Yankees.
Scott joins a Dodgers bullpen that was one of the best units in Major League Baseball last season, ranking in the top five in multiple relief pitching categories such as ERA, WHIP, and FIP.
However, with the signing, the Dodgers 40-man roster is now full, so any more future additions, such as the reported Kirby Yates signing, will have to wait until the team makes a roster move. Today, however, is about Scott, what he brings to the Dodgers, and why he wants to join Los Angeles.
Scott Will Get Save Opportunities, Not Named Closer
One of the most intriguing questions after the Los Angeles Dodgers’ acquisition of Scott is where he fits into the Dodgers’ bullpen plans. Looking at the roster, the Dodgers have multiple closing options, such as Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Michael Kopech.
Scott had twenty-two saves this past season, split between his time with the Miami Marlins and National League West rival the San Diego Padres. However, according to Brandon Gomes, the Dodgers will still go with a closer by committee and play matchups as they’ve done the past three seasons. Gomes reiterated that Scott will have “a lot of opportunities to close games.”
Scott is coming off a dominant two-year stretch where the lefty posted a 2.04 ERA in 150 innings pitched, along with being able to pitch against both right-handed and left-handed hitters. Against left-handed hitters, Scott was particularly unhittable with a 40.3 K% and .132 AVG.
The plan aligns with what the Dodgers have done since full-time closer Kenley Jansen left in free agency after the 2021 season, and the team also has the luxury of having multiple former closers on their roster.
The Dodgers got a taste of Scott more often after last year’s trade deadline when the lefty was traded to San Diego. In the National League Division Series, the lefty faced twelve batters, giving up just two hits and no runs.
Los Angeles Being Labeled as Destination Team
The Dodgers have been hyper-aggressive this winter, signing multiple free agents, and have been the talk around baseball on whether what they’re doing is bad or good for the sport.
While that is a debate for another day, multiple Major League Baseball pundits have labeled the Dodgers the primary destination when they hit the open market due to their success, stability, and commitment to improving themselves and virtually anyone they touch.
Tanner Scott was asked about what makes the Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles a destination for many players around the league. His response: “California is beautiful, especially Los Angeles. Who doesn’t want to live here? Me and my wife are loving it right now and we can’t wait for the next four years.”
Scott will get to enjoy the city and the culture of joining a winning baseball organization after spending the first part of his career with the Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins, and the San Diego Padres and competing with arguably the best team in Major League Baseball.
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