The Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their bullpen during the offseason by signing Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract. Scott’s contract included a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deferred money.
Scott is coming off an excellent season with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres that saw him post a combined 1.75 ERA, 2.92 FIP and 1.13 WHIP in 72 innings. It was the second consecutive year he recorded an ERA below 2.35 with at least 70 innings pitched.
“Tanner possesses all of the qualities we value as an organization when we look to bring in a free agent,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes recently said.
“Coaches and players alike praised him as a person and the work ethic, dedication to his craft and taking care of his body. It’s really impressive, as well as a real passion to giving back to the community.
“What Tanner did down the stretch last year, taking the ball every day and doing whatever was needed to help his team win, is something you don’t see that often when it comes to somebody who is about to hit free agency for the first time. That, for us, spoke volumes to the type of competitor he is and how that would fit within our team and the bullpen culture that Josh Bard has helped create.
“Obviously, our pitching group was incredibly excited when they found out the news about Tanner joining us. But I do think what was even more impressive and speaks volumes to Tanner is I think our hitting group was equally as giddy not having to face him and game plan for him, because the stuff he’s bringing is not something you can game plan for.”
The Dodgers got an up-close look at Scott last year while their season was on the brink in the playoffs.
Scott held left-handed hitters to a .132 batting average in 2024 and was particularly tough on Shohei Ohtani during the National League Division Series.
“He wasn’t vocal, but he’ll be happy to not face him, I’m sure,” Gomes said of Ohtani.
Tanner Scott beginning season as Dodgers closer
The Dodgers bullpen has found success over recent years without a designated closer, but Scott began the 2025 season in that role. He recorded his first save in the Tokyo Series opener against the Chicago Cubs.
The southpaw converted 18 saves for the Marlins last season but only four upon being traded to the Padres. He otherwise had 32 saves with the Marlins from 2022-2023.
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