The Los Angeles Dodgers added onto what should be an impressive bullpen with the signing of Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract that includes a reported $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deferred money.
The left-hander’s deal has an $18 million average annual value, which is tied with Liam Hendriks for third-highest among relief pitchers in MLB history. They trail Edwin Diaz ($20.4 million) and Josh Hader ($19 million).
Scott’s new contract also is the fifth-highest total for a reliever in MLB history. It’s bested by Diaz ($102 million), Hader ($95 million), Aroldis Chapman ($86 million) and Kenley Jansen ($80 million).
Scott drew interest from several contenders, including the Chicago Cubs, who offered him a four-year, $66 million contract, via ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
The next day, with a final offer of four years and $66 million — $6 million shy of where the Dodgers landed — they lost.
While the Cubs missed out on Scott, they pivoted to acquiring Ryan Presley from the Houston Astros.
Cubs owner Tom Ricketts recently shared some criticism of the Dodgers’ financial resources and said his club merely tries to break even every year. However, they fell only $6 million short of what Scott received from L.A.
The Cubs are looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020. Among other moves they’ve made this offseason were acquiring Kyle Tucker and trading Cody Bellinger.
Tanner Scott explains decision to sign with Dodgers
During his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium, Scott explained what drew him to the Dodgers.
“They were the first ones to call, and me and my wife always talked about it,” he said. “They’re not a fun team to face, especially one, two, three, it’s kind of unfair.
“But it’s awesome. I was really happy they made an offer. Thank you Andrew, thank you Brandon. You guys have been awesome. I know we’re ready to get another one and I’ll be a part of this one.”
Scott added: “California is beautiful, especially Los Angeles. Who doesn’t want to live here? “Me and my wife are loving it right now and we can’t wait for the next four years. It’s going to be really exciting times and we hope that we just keep winning.”
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