Major Contract:: Scott secured the fifth-largest free-agent deal ever for a relief pitcher (4 years, $72 million).
Unconventional Start:: Began at Notre Dame College (Ohio), now defunct, with significant control issues despite high velocity.
Development Path:: Progressed through Howard College (TX), honed mechanics, increased velocity (touching 100 mph), drafted by Orioles (2014), played for Marlins, traded to Padres (2024), signed with Dodgers (2025).
Proven Performer:: Excelled in recent seasons, leading relievers in fWAR in 2023 with Miami and performing well under pressure, notably against his future Dodgers teammates (including Shohei Ohtani) in the 2024 NLDS.
Dodgers' Need:: Fills a high-leverage role, designated as the team's closer to start the 2025 season.
Why this matters:: The Dodgers acquired a proven, high-velocity lefty reliever entering his prime, significantly strengthening their bullpen for another championship run. Scott's journey demonstrates that talent development can happen outside the traditional spotlight.
Tanner Scott's arrival in Los Angeles marks the culmination of a unique baseball journey. Unlike many stars, his path didn't start at a major program. He began at Notre Dame College in Ohio, a school that ceased operations in 2024. Despite showing flashes of velocity (touching 92 mph), Scott struggled immensely with control (47 walks in 37.1 innings). A pivotal move to Howard College in Texas helped him refine his mechanics, boosting his fastball to 97 mph and leading to his selection by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2014 MLB Draft.
Scott spent years developing, often on losing teams like the Orioles and Marlins, gradually translating his raw velocity into consistent results. His breakthrough came recently, particularly in 2023 with Miami where he led all relievers in fWAR. A mid-season trade in 2024 sent him to the San Diego Padres, where he continued to impress, particularly during the NLDS against the Dodgers. Despite the Padres losing the series, Scott delivered four scoreless outings, striking out Shohei Ohtani four times.
This performance undoubtedly caught the Dodgers' attention. As GM Brandon Gomes noted, even Dodgers hitters like Ohtani were relieved not to have to face Scott anymore. His signing reunites him with friend and fellow reliever Evan Phillips, a teammate from their Orioles days. Phillips highlighted Scott's 'different kind of engine' and impressive growth.
With an average fastball of 97 mph and the ability to reach triple digits, Scott brings elite late-inning firepower from the left side. The Dodgers immediately named him their closer for the 2025 season, a role he debuted successfully in the Tokyo Series opener. His $72 million contract reflects the market value for dominant relievers and the Dodgers' commitment to acquiring top talent.
Why did the Dodgers sign Tanner Scott?
The Dodgers signed Scott to bolster their bullpen with a proven, high-velocity left-handed reliever capable of handling high-leverage situations, including the closer role. His strong performance, especially against the Dodgers themselves in the playoffs, made him an attractive target.
What makes Tanner Scott an effective pitcher?
Scott combines high velocity (average 97 mph fastball, can touch 100+ mph) from the left side with improved control developed over his career. He has demonstrated effectiveness against both left-handed and right-handed hitters in crucial game moments.
What was Tanner Scott's journey before the Dodgers?
Scott pitched at the now-closed Notre Dame College (Ohio), transferred to Howard College (TX), was drafted by the Orioles, developed in their system, pitched for the Marlins (becoming their closer), was traded to the Padres, and then signed with the Dodgers as a free agent.
The Dodgers have significantly upgraded their bullpen by adding one of the premier relief pitchers in baseball.
Tanner Scott's story is one of resilience, showing significant improvement and development years after being drafted.
Scott is expected to handle the majority of save opportunities for the Dodgers, a crucial role for a team with championship aspirations.
His high-velocity left-handed pitching adds a challenging dimension for opposing hitters, especially in late innings.
Tanner Scott's journey shows persistence pays off. Do you think he will be a dominant closer for the Dodgers for the duration of his contract? Let us know!
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Source 2: Brandon Gomes: Shohei Ohtani & Dodgers Hitters Were Happy With Tanner Scott Signing (Note: Link constructed based on article title and typical site structure, original URL not provided in source text)
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