In search for bullpen reinforcements last offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract.
The left-hander had emerged as one of the best closers in baseball and went into the 2025 season expecting to lock down the ninth inning for the Dodgers.
However, Scott’s first year in L.A. was anything but successful as he posted career-worsts in several categories. He finished 1-4 with a 4.74 ERA, 4.70 FIP, 1.26 WHIP and 10 blown saves in 57 innings across 61 appearances.
After ending 2025 as a non-factor, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes expects Scott to bounce back and be a key contributor in the bullpen next season, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
“He’s certainly one of the guys in that group,” Gomes said. “I think we’ve seen it in the past with guys, there is reliever volatility. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this happen in the past with other great relievers. So our full belief is that Tanner is gonna come back and have a great year for us next year, and be right there in the mix to pitch at the back end of games.”
Whether it was due to mechanics, health, possibly tipping pitches, or just the normal volatility that can occur from year to year with relievers, Scott struggled to find a rhythm in his first season with the Dodgers.
One constant during Scott’s up and down year was support from manager Dave Roberts and the rest of the organization. That continues to hold true as the Dodgers hope Scott can be more of a factor for them in 2026.
Tanner Scott did not pitch in postseason
Although he was included on the Dodgers’ Wild Card and National League Division Series rosters, Scott did not pitch in the postseason.
He missed Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies due to what was initially called personal matter and wound up being revealed to be because an unexpected abscess excision procedure on his backside.
Scott hoped to be available for the World Series, but never received medical clearance and was left off the Dodgers roster.
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