The Los Angeles Dodgers impressively added onto their offseason haul by signing Tanner Scott, who was the best relief pitcher available in free agency.
Scott’s signing further bolsters a Dodgers bullpen that’s filled with veteran options and talent. His arrival also amounts to the team having three formidable lefties in their bullpen.
The 30-year-old also now gets to play alongside close friend Evan Phillips, which he is looking forward to along with developing relationships with all his new Dodgers teammates.
“I don’t like that guy. No, I’m just joking,” Scott quipped. “I’m definitely excited to meet everyone, and yes, me and Evan have a really close relationship. He’s probably text me way too much this offseason. I love the guy, but not that much.
“No, it’s going to be really exciting to meet everyone. The bullpen is a small family inside of a big family. It’s going to be great to build that relationship and keep moving forward with that.”
Scott is entering his ninth season, having spent time with the Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres.
Scott’s gritty attitude and willingness to pitch in any scenario was an attractive reason for the Dodgers. Last year between the Marlins and Padres, Scott posted a 1.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and .175 batting average allowed over 72 innings.
Scott’s deal is a four-year, $72 million contract that includes a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deffered money.
How good has Tanner Scott been?
In his prior two seasons, Scott ranks as the best reliever per win probability added (WPA) in MLB. His 8.07 WPA trounces that of Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias, who slots in second at 5.64 WPA.
Since 2023, Scott ranks fourth among qualified relief pitchers with 188 strikeouts. He’s also fourth in innings pitched during that span.
In the past three years, Scott is ninth in the league with an 11.76 strikeout per nine innings pitched. He possesses the third-lowest hard-hit rate (28.6%) in that span.
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