Dodgers Named Best Fit for ‘Intriguing’ $65 Million Rival All-Star Hurler
The Los Angeles Dodgers are fresh off winning the 2024 World Series. They’ve also started reloading the roster by signing starting pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract. Could the Dodgers supplement their bullpen by adding closer Tanner Scott on a multi-year commitment via free agency? LA is looking to upgrade the back of its bullpen this winter. Before the Milwaukee Brewers sent two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees, the right-hander thought he was bound for Hollywood. Scott split his 2024 All-Star campaign with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. He went 9-6 with a 1.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 84 strikeouts and 22 saves in 72 innings pitched. Several teams have been connected to the left-hander since he hit the open market. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer thinks the Dodgers make the most sense as he discussed landing spots for the “most intriguing” free agents still available.
“The Dodgers’ interest in Scott makes sense on two fronts, starting with how their bullpen could use a surefire option to close games,” Rymer wrote. “With 54 saves in 67 tries over the last three seasons, Scott can handle closing. Signing Scott would otherwise give the Dodgers three solid lefty relievers.” Scott wasn’t eligible to receive a one-year qualifying offer from the Padres, so whichever team signs him won’t have to surrender any draft picks to do so. After making $5.7 million in 2024, Spotrac is projecting a four-year, $65 million contract for the lefty. The Athletic’s Tim Britton is projecting something similar, as he thinks Scott will land a four-year, $64 million guarantee.
