Los Angeles Dodgers Make Major Bullpen Splash by Signing Left-Handed Reliever Tanner Scott to Four-Year, $72 Million Deal

Welcome to Los Angeles, Tanner Scott! In a bold and strategic move aimed at strengthening their bullpen and adding another high-octane arm to their already deep pitching staff, the Los Angeles Dodgers have officially agreed to terms with left-handed relief pitcher Tanner Scott. The deal is worth a reported $72 million over four years, signaling a significant commitment to a player whose power and reliability out of the bullpen have become elite-level assets across Major League Baseball.

The Dodgers, long known for their ability to combine player development with calculated free-agent splashes, have once again demonstrated their commitment to championship contention with the signing of Scott. This move not only brings one of the game’s premier left-handed relievers to Chavez Ravine but also adds depth, experience, and a sense of dominance to a bullpen that continues to evolve in the ever-competitive National League.

Scott, who turned 30 earlier this year, enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023 with the Miami Marlins, cementing himself as one of the most trusted high-leverage arms in the National League. Armed with a mid-to-upper 90s fastball, a sharp slider, and the ability to miss bats at a prolific rate, Scott evolved from a middle reliever with control issues into a late-inning weapon capable of slamming the door on the league’s most potent offenses.

His success with the Marlins last season was no fluke. Over 70 appearances, Scott posted a career-best ERA of 2.31, recorded 104 strikeouts in just over 70 innings, and held opposing hitters to a sub-.200 batting average. He also converted 13 saves while rotating through closing and setup roles, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to thrive in whatever role the team needed. In many ways, 2023 was the culmination of years of development, adjustments, and maturing as a pitcher. It was also the year that placed him firmly on the radar of every contender looking for late-inning firepower.

The Dodgers, who were heavily linked to several bullpen arms this offseason, ultimately zeroed in on Scott for his unique profile. He’s not just a hard thrower—he’s a lefty with legitimate closer stuff, the ability to pitch multiple innings when necessary, and the experience of pitching in both tight divisional races and high-stakes late-game situations. For Los Angeles, whose bullpen depth was tested during the 2023 postseason, adding a pitcher of Scott’s caliber was not a luxury but a necessity.

General Manager Brandon Gomes emphasized that point during the press conference introducing Scott: “We’ve admired Tanner for quite some time. His ability to miss bats, his competitive makeup, and his consistency in high-leverage spots are exactly what we were looking to add to our bullpen. He’s the kind of pitcher who changes the complexion of a game the moment he steps on the mound.”

Scott’s journey to this point wasn’t always smooth. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round of the 2014 MLB Draft, Scott initially struggled with control and consistency at the major league level. Though his velocity was eye-popping and his slider wicked, it wasn’t until his trade to Miami in 2022 that things began to click. The Marlins worked closely with him to refine his mechanics and approach, and the results were dramatic. Walks decreased, strikeouts increased, and his confidence soared. By 2023, he was a force, and the rest of the league took notice.

For the Dodgers, Scott represents more than just a reliever—they view him as a cornerstone of their late-inning strategy moving forward. With the departure of some key bullpen arms from last season, including veterans who provided leadership and stability, Los Angeles needed not just production but presence. Scott, with his intensity and veteran experience, brings both.

His role in the Dodgers’ bullpen is expected to be a fluid but crucial one. While Evan Phillips is currently slotted as the closer, the Dodgers have never been a team that locks into traditional bullpen roles. Manager Dave Roberts has routinely leaned into matchups and leveraged his depth to maximize outs. Scott will likely be used as a hybrid high-leverage reliever—capable of closing games, handling the heart of the opposing lineup, or bridging the gap from the sixth inning onward. His ability to dominate left-handed hitters while still being effective against righties makes him an ideal piece in any scenario.

Beyond the numbers, Scott brings a gritty edge to the Dodgers clubhouse. Known for his work ethic and competitive drive, he fits seamlessly into the team’s culture of accountability and excellence. In Miami, teammates lauded him for his leadership, particularly among younger pitchers. In Los Angeles, that presence will be invaluable as the Dodgers continue to integrate young arms into their bullpen mix.

The $72 million price tag may raise eyebrows for a non-closer, but the deal reflects the premium value placed on elite bullpen arms in today’s game. With the growing emphasis on shortening games through lockdown relief pitching, teams are willing to invest heavily in arms that can secure those crucial final outs. Scott’s age, durability, and recent performance trends all pointed toward a significant payday—and the Dodgers were happy to oblige.

Scott, for his part, expressed excitement about joining the Dodgers and competing for a championship. “This is a dream come true,” he said during his introductory press conference. “The Dodgers are an organization I’ve admired for years. To be a part of this clubhouse, to play for this city, and to chase a World Series with this group—it’s everything I’ve worked for.”

That chase begins now. With a rotation anchored by stars and now a bullpen bolstered by the addition of Scott, the Dodgers have sent a message to the rest of the league: they’re all in. After a disappointing finish to last season, Los Angeles has reloaded with a vengeance, determined not to let another October opportunity slip away.

Tanner Scott’s arrival in Los Angeles marks one of the most significant bullpen acquisitions in recent franchise history. His power, his poise, and his proven ability to deliver in pressure situations align perfectly with what the Dodgers need as they enter another season with championship expectations. While no signing is ever a guarantee, all signs point to this being a move that could pay massive dividends—both in the regular season and, most importantly, in the postseason.

As Scott dons Dodger Blue and steps into his new home at Dodger Stadium, fans have every reason to be optimistic. He’s the kind of player who thrives in the spotlight, who embraces pressure, and who makes a difference not just with his arm, but with his presence. In a league where bullpen reliability is often the difference between heartbreak and hardware, the Dodgers just added a difference-maker.

Welcome to Los Angeles, Tanner Scott. The City of Angels just got another flamethrower—and another reason to believe that this could be the year.