Former San Diego Padres pitcher Tanner Scott has signed a lucrative four-year, $72 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making him the highest-paid reliever in his free-agent class. The deal includes deferred money and a signing bonus, consistent with other deals made by the Dodgers this offseason. The Chicago Cubs were reportedly the runners-up in negotiations with Scott.
Scott, ranked as the No. 19 free agent by The Athletic, has had an impressive track record with 102 saves over the past three seasons and a 2.04 ERA between 2023 and 2024. His ability to shut down both lefties and righties has made him a sought-after asset in the league. Acquired by the Padres from the Miami Marlins in exchange for four prospects, Scott showcased his versatility as a pitcher, often pitching in various innings throughout the game.
Despite his occasional struggles with wildness, with an average of 4.5 walks per nine innings in 2024, the Dodgers are counting on Scott to deliver as an All-Star-caliber closer. Scott’s deal falls short of the $95 million contract signed by another top reliever, Josh Hader, last offseason, but it underlines the value placed on hard-throwing lefties with closing experience in the MLB.
The signing of Scott by the Dodgers has generated buzz in the baseball world, with the team securing a key player to bolster their bullpen for the upcoming season. The news of Scott’s deal was first reported by MLB.com.
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