Reports: Dodgers to sign coveted closer Tanner Scott to 4-year deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers are strengthening their already impressive pitching staff by reaching an agreement with left-handed closer Tanner Scott, according to multiple reports on Sunday.

MLB.com stated that the deal with the 2024 All-Star is for four years and $72 million. The Athletic mentioned that the contract includes a signing bonus and deferred payments, but specific amounts were not disclosed.

According to Major League Baseball Trade Rumors, this deal ranks as the third-highest for a free-agent reliever based on average annual value and the fifth-largest in guaranteed money for a relief pitcher.

The Dodgers are looking to Scott to enhance the backend of a pitching rotation that could feature Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and newly added Roki Sasaki. Clayton Kershaw is also expected to return in 2025 after rehabbing from an injury.

Scott, 30, spent last season with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. He was considered the top pitcher still available in free agency and had several teams interested in him.

In 2024, he appeared in 72 games, finishing with a 9-6 record, a 1.75 ERA, and 22 saves. He struck out 84 batters over 72 innings.

Over his career with the Baltimore Orioles (2017-21), Marlins (2022-24), and Padres, Scott has a 31-24 record, a 3.56 ERA, and 55 saves.

The additions of Sasaki and Scott will push the Dodgers’ luxury-tax payroll to more than $375 million, according to ESPN. Only the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees are also exceeding $300 million.