Just one day after officially welcoming Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki to the team, the Los Angeles Dodgers continued to bolster their already formidable pitching staff by finalizing a four-year, $72 million contract with left-handed reliever Tanner Scott on Thursday.
Scott, 29, has emerged as one of the premier bullpen arms in the game over the past two seasons. Known for his high-velocity fastball and wipeout slider, the southpaw brings both experience and dominance to the late innings, a role that has become increasingly critical in today’s game. The Dodgers, who have consistently invested in building deep and reliable bullpens, are adding another trusted weapon to their arsenal with the acquisition.
The deal marks a significant investment by the Dodgers, who continue to make headlines this offseason with high-profile signings and aggressive moves. Scott’s addition signals that the front office is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of a World Series title. While the Dodgers’ offense is loaded with star power, their focus on strengthening the pitching staff shows a balanced, all-in approach to 2025 and beyond.
Scott spent the past three seasons with the Miami Marlins, where he cemented his status as one of the most reliable relievers in the National League. In 2023, he posted a career-best 2.31 ERA across 74 innings, with 104 strikeouts and only 22 walks. His 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings ranked among the league leaders, and he held opposing batters to a .188 average. That level of dominance attracted attention from several contending teams, but the Dodgers ultimately landed him with a competitive offer and the promise of a key role in a championship-caliber bullpen.
Originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round of the 2014 MLB Draft, Scott spent the early years of his career honing his command. Though always known for electric stuff, it wasn’t until recent seasons that he put it all together. His improved control and ability to limit damage have elevated him from a hard-throwing lefty to an elite, late-inning option.
In Los Angeles, Scott is expected to serve in a high-leverage role, likely splitting setup duties or even closing games when matchups dictate. Manager Dave Roberts praised the acquisition, noting Scott’s competitiveness, durability, and experience. “Tanner brings a dynamic presence to our bullpen. He’s battle-tested and has the kind of stuff that can shut down the best hitters in the game,” Roberts said in a press conference.
With the addition of both Sasaki and Scott, the Dodgers’ pitching staff now boasts a rare mix of youth, power, and experience. They join a rotation that already includes Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Walker Buehler, and a bullpen anchored by Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Dodgers continue to look like one of the most complete and dangerous teams in baseball. And with Tanner Scott now in Dodger blue, their bullpen just got a whole lot scarier.