2024 All-Star Closer Signs Deal with the Dodgers
Entering the offseason as one of the most highly regarded free agent relief pitchers on the market, closer Tanner Scott was on the wishlist of several World Series contenders. The 30-year-old reliever set himself up for success to land a lucrative free agent deal after having a career year in 2024 with both the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, who traded for Scott at the trade deadline this past season. Following much intrigue, it was reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Scott have agreed to a deal that will send the veteran arm to a perennial contender chasing a World Series title. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal is a four-year contract worth $72 million.
In his eight-year career, Scott has endured the ups and downs while aiming to become a top arm in the back end of a team’s bullpen. After spending his first five seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, where he finished with a 4.73 ERA in 156 innings pitched, he was traded to the Marlins in April 2022. In Miami, Scott started to establish himself as a reliable bullpen arm, finishing his first season with a career-high 90 strikeouts, though he also recorded a career-high 46 walks. Over the past two seasons, in 2023 and 2024, Scott finally put it all together, recording a 1.90 ERA, 188 strikeouts, and 60 walks in 150 innings pitched.
As a result of his development into one of the best closers in MLB, Scott was named to his first All-Star Game last season, finishing 2024, excluding the shortened 2020 season, with a career-best 1.75 ERA, 84 strikeouts, a 1.13 WHIP, and a career-high 22 saves. After signing with the Dodgers, Scott will enter 2025 as a key piece in the Dodgers’ bullpen, taking on late-game situations and being trusted in close games as he looks to continue his recent dominance on the mound. For Los Angeles, Scott’s signing provides another reliable bullpen arm that can be used in any high-stress situation next season and beyond, as they pursue a World Series title. If all goes well, the Dodgers will greatly benefit from adding Scott, who will undoubtedly play a key role in their success this upcoming season.
