Already the subject of widespread external criticism, the Los Angeles Dodgers continued with their remarkable offseason by agreeing to terms with Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million contract.
In signing Scott the Dodgers add the best available relief pitcher to a bullpen that already was projected to be a strength this year. The left-hander had long been a reported Dodgers target and reportedly drew interest from the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and New York Mets as well.
The Mets seemingly fell out of the picture with their signing of A.J. Minter, which occurred on the same day Scott was reported to be weighing offers and nearing a decision.
Scott’s contract with the Dodgers includes a $20 million signing bonus and $21 in deferred salary, per Robert Murray of FanSided:
Free-agent reliever Tanner Scott’s four-year, $72 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers includes a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million deferred, according to league sources.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 19, 2025
Scott finished with a 1.75 ERA, 2.92 FIP and 1.13 WHIP across 72 innings while striking out 28.6% of hitters and walking 12.2% for the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres last season. It was Scott’s second consecutive year with more than 70 innings pitched and an ERA below 2.35.
Scott enjoyed a breakout season in 2023 after largely struggling over the several years prior. He owns a career 3.56 ERA in 368.2 innings with a 30.4% strikeout rate and 12.6% walk rate.
The Padres traded Adam Mazur, Jay Beshears, Robby Snelling and Graham Pauley to acquire Scott and Bryan Hoeing from the Marlins at the deadline last year. Scott was a valuable weapon for the Padres, but he now leaves the organization after a short stint.
Scott joining the Dodgers also adds onto a muted, if not disappointing, offseason for the Padres as they fell short in their pursuit of Roki Sasaki.
Tanner Scott’s AAV
Scott’s Dodgers contract 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).
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