Title: Bolstering the Bullpen: The Dodgers Bring in Tanner Scott
The Dodgers amplified their already impressive roster by inking Tanner Scott to a jaw-dropping $72 million deal, making it the largest relative contract of the offseason. As reported by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand and The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, the details of the deferrals in this agreement remain undisclosed thus far.
Scott, the fan-favorite left-hander with a penchant for dominance, earned the title of top-tier free-agent relief pitcher this winter. His exceptional performances with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, where he posted a remarkable 1.75 ERA in 72 games in 2024, followed by a 2.35 ERA in 2023, cemented his reputation as an unstoppable force.
His agile arsenal of just two potent pitches wreaks havoc on opposing batters. Scott's bone-crushing fastball, averaging 97 mph and thrown a whopping 59.2% of the time, consistently seals the deal. Meanwhile, his razor-sharp slider, averaging 88.5 mph, leaves batters in a bind, contemplating whether to swing or cower from its steadfast power.
The Dodgers' bullpen was already stacked, boasting an impressive lineup of talented pitchers, including Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia, who both posted ERAs below 2.00 last season. More astonishingly, four of their relief pitchers averaged at least 10 strikeouts per nine innings in 2024, including Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Treinen, and Vesia. Yet, Scott's arrival adds another fire-breathing dynamo to their already formidable team.
The reigning World Series champions' decision to secure Scott's signature is unsurprising given their relentless fortifying of their pitching staff. After sealing a massive five-year, $182 million contract with Blake Snell in November, they snatched the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes just this past weekend. With Shohei Ohtani anticipated to rejoin the mound this season, the Dodgers seem committed to remaining at the pinnacle of Major League Baseball.
The specifics of the deferrals in Scott's contract remain under wraps, but this deferred payment method has emerged as a recurring theme in the Dodgers' business operations. Similar structures are evident in Blake Snell's contract and outfielder Teoscar Hernández's re-signing, as well as deal extensions with catcher Will Smith and center fielder Tommy Edman. In light of Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking deal, which features the most deferred compensation, the Dodgers have proven adept at balancing their financial obligations without compromising their pursuit of talent.
$700 million and 10 years later, Ohtani's groundbreaking contract continues to impact the Dodgers' movements. The clause outlining that saved resources must be directed towards bolstering and maintaining their competitive roster has facilitated a wave of high-profile additions, including Scott, solidifying the Dodgers' position as the go-to destination for baseball's elite.
Tanner Scott, the signed Dodger, boasts an impressive resume, having showcased impressive numbers with the Marlins and Padres in recent seasons. With Ohtani also in the Dodgers' lineup, Scott MLB debut with the Dodgers' team promises to be an exciting addition to their already formidable roster. Despite the details of Tanner Scott's contract deferrals being undisclosed, the Dodgers' financial strategy of deferred payments has become a recurring theme in their business operations, evident in other contracts like Blake Snell's and Teoscar Hernández's.
