The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly the ideal team to sign Tanner Scott, a standout left-handed relief pitcher, as he heads into free agency with expectations of a lucrative contract. Scott, who has emerged as one of the most reliable closers in Major League Baseball (MLB), could be a game-changer for the Dodgers, especially given the team’s need for a versatile bullpen. According to a report from Bleacher Report by Zachary D. Rymer, the Dodgers are seen as the “best fit” for Scott, who is projected to secure a four-year deal worth $64 million. This contract would make it the third-largest ever for a reliever based on total guaranteed money.
Scott’s potential move to the Dodgers comes after an impressive stint with the San Diego Padres, a team the Dodgers faced in this year’s postseason. Despite the challenges, the Dodgers’ bullpen showed significant strength during the postseason, particularly when they found themselves in a tough position against the Padres in the National League Division Series (NLDS). With their season on the line, the Dodgers employed a bullpen game in Game 4, using seven different pitchers to shut out their opponents. The following night, they turned to a similarly dominant bullpen, which extended their shutout streak for another four innings. This success highlighted how important a solid bullpen is for playoff teams, and the Dodgers’ bullpen, though effective, was missing a consistent, experienced closer.
Blake Treinen had often filled the closer role for the Dodgers, but the absence of a true, permanent closer was noticeable. While Treinen was ready to pitch whenever needed, the Dodgers would benefit from adding another reliever who has closing experience, offering more flexibility and depth. This is where Scott comes into play. He has a proven track record, with 54 saves in 67 attempts over the past three seasons. His ability to handle the high-pressure role of closing games makes him an ideal candidate to bolster the Dodgers’ bullpen further.
Scott’s numbers since the start of 2023 have been outstanding, with a remarkable 2.04 ERA over 150 innings, along with 188 strikeouts. His dominance on the mound has been one of the best among relief pitchers, as he leads all relievers in bWAR (Wins Above Replacement) during this time period, with an impressive 7.6 bWAR. His performance has made him one of the most sought-after free agents in the bullpen market.
From a strategic perspective, adding Scott to the Dodgers’ bullpen also serves as a potential countermeasure against one of their biggest postseason threats: the New York Mets. Rymer points out that Scott’s ability to neutralize right-handed batters is exceptional, but he has been slightly less effective against lefties, with a .857 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) against them compared to a 1.000 OPS against right-handed hitters. This weakness against lefties could be a concern when facing powerful left-handed hitters like the Mets’ Juan Soto, who has been a key offensive weapon for New York. By securing Scott, the Dodgers could strengthen their bullpen’s ability to handle Soto and other left-handed threats in the postseason.
Looking ahead, Scott’s projected four-year, $64 million contract would place him among the highest-paid relievers in MLB history. While the contract would be a significant investment, it is one that could pay off in the short term. Scott’s talent is undeniable, and his track record suggests he could continue to perform at a high level for the first few years of the contract. However, as with any long-term deal for a relief pitcher, there are concerns about the longevity of such an investment. Scott will be 30 years old when he signs his deal, and by the time he turns 34, there could be some concerns about a potential decline in performance, as is common for many pitchers as they age. Despite these potential risks, the Dodgers, who are focused on winning multiple World Series championships over the next few years, would likely consider this a risk worth taking.
The Dodgers’ front office has long been known for making bold moves that align with their championship aspirations, and signing a pitcher like Scott would be a continuation of that strategy. The team’s bullpen, though strong, would benefit from a more established closer to complement their other talented relievers. By adding Scott, the Dodgers would not only improve their bullpen depth but also position themselves as a stronger contender for the World Series in the coming seasons.
In conclusion, Tanner Scott appears to be an ideal fit for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as they look to bolster their bullpen and continue their pursuit of championship titles. His track record, ability to close games, and dominance against right-handed hitters make him a valuable asset, while his projected contract, though risky in the long term, could prove to be an essential piece in the team’s roster. For the Dodgers, adding Scott would provide both immediate and long-term benefits as they continue their championship chase.
