When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Tanner Scott last offseason, they expected him to lock down the ninth inning and pitch in their highest-leverage moments.
The Dodgers made a significant investment in Scott, who signed for $72 million over four years. But the early returns were the opposite of what they expected.
In his first season with the club, he posted a 4.74 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and saw his strikeout rate drop to 25% from the 30% he entered the year with.
Scott has yet to pitch in a game during Cactus League play, but he’s continuing to work on things, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is confident Scott will get back on track this year.
“Yeah, I think that Tanner getting a grasp on his slider is one thing. I think that he’s kind of working through, whether it’s grips, shapes, both,” Roberts said. “You would expect that the velocity will be consistent as we build up, where right now I think it’s 96, something like that. But I think the velocity will tick up with the adrenaline, using the fastball in different locations.
“But honestly, it’s more of waiting to see him face some Major League hitters and see how it plays. And I do expect him to have a much better season than he did last year. But like I always say, the hitters will tell you.”
If Scott can get back on track, he will combine with Edwin Díaz to form one of the most effective bullpens in baseball. It’s a scenario that has to intrigue Roberts, given the struggles the group faced last year.
Dodgers expect Tanner Scott to help bullpen rebound
In 2025, the Dodgers’ bullpen ranked 21st in MLB with a 4.27 ERA. They made more investments in the bullpen this offseason and have some pitchers expected to return from injury. But Roberts still expects Scott to have a key role for the club, even with all the options they have.
“Yeah, I think Tanner’s a big part of it as far as what we invested in him, and his talent, what he’s done in a postseason a few years ago, which we saw firsthand,” Roberts said.
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