Dodgers Rumors: Insider Reveals Tanner Scott’s Desired Contract in Free Agency
It’s no secret the Los Angeles Dodgers’ relief pitching was less than ideal in 2024, despite a World Series championship.
Tied for third in MLB last year in blown saves (29) despite having the second-most save opportunities (79), the Dodgers remain firmly in the market for relief assistance.
A name that Los Angeles has been linked to is All-Star free agent Tanner Scott.
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In 2024, Scott posted a 1.75 ERA with 22 saves, 84 strikeouts, and a career-high WAR of 4.0, far-and-away the highest mark in his dominant career.
The Dodgers have made some much-needed additions to its pitching this offseason in signing Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Moreover, reigning NL MVP Shohei Ohtani plans to be ready to pitch at the start of 2025. However, relief help is still necessary for the defending champions.
There now may be some insight on how deep the Dodgers front office will need to dig into their pockets to address this and bring Scott to Southern California.
On The Fenway Rundown: Boston Red Sox podcast, co-host Chris Cotillo reported, “I had somebody from the National League tell me last week that Scott was looking for four (years) times 20 (million).”
This number feels extremely doable for an organization that has already established themselves as big spenders for top talent, and not to mention, Ohtani’s history with the left-hander.
Scott is considered ‘kryptonite’ to Ohtani, as Zachary Rotman of Fansided put it, and that may be enough of a reason to take the 30-year-old reliever off the market.
“Ohtani got to face Scott four times in Los Angeles’ NLDS meeting with the San Diego Padres but struck out all four times. He has gone 1-for-13 against Scott with seven strikeouts overall. He has reached base just twice in 14 plate appearances in his career against the southpaw.”
A different high-end reliever the Dodgers eyed at the start of the offseason was Devin Williams. The All-Star has since been traded to the New York Yankees, despite being told he was headed to Los Angeles.
Another team linked to Scott is the Atlanta Braves. David O’Brien of the Athletic reported that he knows a “contender down South that lost two top setup men and hasn’t spent any big money yet this winter” and continued that Atlanta has “a serious high-leverage lefty need in its bullpen.”
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Ohtani have 7 K’s in 12 AB against Scott. Other high-earning superstars (Harper, T. Turner, Lindor, Deavers, Olson, and others) also struggled against T. Scott. Best to get him to shutdown and close out the games.
Also would be a good complement along with Vesia, as the bullpen is already right-handed heavy. Good to have him on our side to shutdown some of these heavy hitters.