Dodgers Make Major Acquisition
In a thrilling move that follows the signing of the highly-touted Japanese talent Roki Sasaki, the Los Angeles Dodgers have shaken up the Major League Baseball landscape by agreeing to a noteworthy four-year contract with left-handed reliever Tanner Scott.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has reported that the deal is worth an impressive $72 million, although the team has yet to make an official announcement.
This lucrative contract features a remarkable signing bonus of $20 million, along with a $21 million salary that will be deferred, as detailed by Feinsand.
Scott’s Performance and Impact
Over the last two seasons, Scott has established himself as one of the most dominant relievers in baseball.
Last year, he achieved an outstanding 1.75 ERA and made his All-Star Game debut.
After his trade from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres on July 30, he demonstrated his prowess in the postseason, striking out seven batters over 4.1 innings without conceding a single run—impressively fanning the legendary Shohei Ohtani each time they crossed paths.
With Scott joining the roster, the Dodgers are fortifying their already stellar bullpen.
Notable relievers such as Blake Treinen have been re-signed, and other key pitchers including Michael Kopech, Alex Vesia, and Brusdar Graterol are expected to return as well.
This formidable bullpen played an essential role in the Dodgers’ World Series triumph in 2024.
Strategic Additions and Future Prospects
The Dodgers are undeniably making a bold statement in the realm of baseball.
Since clinching the championship, they have not only finalized agreements with Scott and Sasaki but have also brought back Blake Snell, Michael Conforto, and Hyeseong Kim while retaining important players like Teoscar Hernández, Tommy Edman, and Treinen.
Just days before securing Scott, the Dodgers made headlines by acquiring 23-year-old ace Sasaki, who had narrowed his choices to the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays.
This addition has been celebrated as a major win and is likely to be remembered as one of the offseason’s best deals, especially since Sasaki is coming aboard on a rookie contract with a low salary.
With Tanner Scott on the team, the Dodgers are showcasing their ability to invest in one of the league’s top free-agent relievers.
Over the past few seasons, Scott has posted exceptional metrics, landing in the 90th percentile or higher for both whiff rate and hard-hit rate.
Last season, adversaries struggled against his high-speed four-seam fastball, managing only a .134 batting average and a mere .179 slugging percentage—ranking him among the elite for pitchers who threw at least 300 four-seamers.
Scott’s potent fastball, paired with his effective high-80s slider, crafts a unique pitch profile, which has contributed to a remarkable ground-ball rate of 51.2% since the start of 2023.
Drafted in the sixth round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2014, Scott had a rocky start to his MLB career, wrapping up his tenure in Baltimore with a 4.73 ERA.
However, his trajectory shifted when he joined the Miami Marlins before the 2022 season, quickly proving himself as a reliable closer with 20 saves that year, even with a 4.31 ERA.
The following season marked a true turning point; Scott’s chase rate soared to 35.3%, ranking third in MLB among pitchers with over 500 out-of-zone pitches.
This improvement resulted in a striking 2.31 ERA and a .527 opponents’ OPS.
Before his trade to the Padres, he dazzled with a 1.18 ERA over nearly 46 innings.
After the trade, Scott concluded the season with an even more impressive 1.75 ERA, a notably low hard-hit rate, and a dramatically reduced walk rate of 8.0%.
As he steps into his role with the Dodgers, Scott is set to become a crucial component of the bullpen, vital for the team as they aim for continued success.
The Dodgers are clearly positioning themselves as a powerhouse, and excitement is building around Scott’s integration into the lineup.
With each strategic acquisition, they not only strengthen their roster but also fan the flames of optimism for an exhilarating season ahead!