The Los Angeles Dodgers have secured the services of left-handed reliever Tanner Scott with a four-year, $72 million contract, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Details regarding the specific breakdown of deferred money and signing bonus are not yet available, as reported by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. This just days after signing top pitching prospect, Roki Sasaki.
High-Priced Relief: Los Angeles Dodgers Lock Up Tanner Scott
Scott’s ranking as the #14 free agent by MLB Trade Rumors in their annual Top 50 list initially projected a four-year, $56 million deal. While exceeding this prediction, the final contract aligns with earlier reports suggesting Scott could command an average annual value (AAV) in the $20 million range.
This agreement falls slightly short of that mark, with Scott’s $18 million AAV still placing him among the highest-paid relievers in baseball history. According to MLB Trade Rumors’ Contract Tracker, Scott ties Liam Hendriks’ deal with the White Sox for the third-highest AAV for a free agent reliever, trailing only Edwin Diaz and Josh Hader. In terms of total guaranteed money, this contract ranks fifth all-time for relievers in free agency, behind Diaz, Hader, Aroldis Chapman, and Kenley Jansen.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s YouTube
Analysis:
This move by the Dodgers signifies their commitment to bolstering their bullpen with a high-caliber arm. Scott’s impressive performance warrants this significant investment, as evidenced by his ranking among the top free-agent relievers. While the AAV surpasses initial projections, it reflects the current market value for elite relief pitching. The Dodgers secure a key piece for their bullpen, while Scott receives a lucrative contract reflecting his talent and market demand.