The Dodgers Bullpen Won LA the 2024 World Series; Now It’s Somehow Even Better
Before the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with Tanner Scott, they were discussing signing another former All-Star reliever.
In the end, they ended up signing both.
The Dodgers always liked Scott but weren’t sure if they would be able to land him so they had a couple of conversations with Kirby Yates, as first reported by Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
“While they had liked Scott since early in the offseason, they were also evaluating other relievers remaining on the free agent market, including discussions with veteran All-Star right-hander Kirby Yates, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly.”
After the team signed Scott, it felt like there was no need for Yates. However, just days later, it was reported that L.A. was signing Yates, too. That deal was finalized on Tuesday night.
More news: Dodgers Finally Have Update on Kirby Yates Signing After Long Delay
While Yates is older than Scott, his numbers have been just as impressive. Pitching for the Texas Rangers last season, he delivered an outstanding 1.17 ERA across 61.2 innings while racking up 33 saves.
This performance earned him his second All-Star selection and marked his best season since his previous All-Star nod in 2019.
Yates joins Scott, who was the Dodgers’ top target all offseason long.
A seasoned eight-year veteran who started his career in lower-leverage middle relief with the Baltimore Orioles and Miami Marlins, Scott has developed into one of the premier left-handed relievers in the game over the past few years. This offseason, he was arguably the top reliever available in free agency.
Scott’s standout season came this past season, as he posted a 1.75 ERA and collected 22 saves, earning his first All-Star selection. His performance helped land him a trade from the Marlins to the playoff-bound San Diego Padres at the trade deadline.
The Dodgers were interested in acquiring Scott at the trade deadline last season but ultimately pivoted to Jack Flaherty when the Padres overpaid.
While Flaherty was a huge addition to the starting rotation, while Scott showed the Dodgers why they needed him during the National League Division Series.
Scott became one of the Padres’ most reliable options, delivering four scoreless appearances and striking out Shohei Ohtani in all four at-bats against the left-handed slugger.
Luckily, Ohtani and the Dodgers don’t have to worry about facing Scott for the next four seasons. They also won’t have to face Yates, as L.A.’s bullpen is now loaded heading into 2025.
More news: More news: Yankees Manager Aaron Boone Takes Shot at Dodgers Players for Post-World Series Comments
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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