The Chicago Cubs were considered strong contenders to acquire left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, however, they were ultimately outmaneuvered by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scott signed a lucrative four-year, $72 million contract with the Dodgers, which includes a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deferred payments.
This substantial agreement represents one of the largest contracts ever awarded to a reliever in Major League Baseball history — this reflects how important securing a high-impact relief pitcher was for LA.
However, new reporting has revealed what the Cubs offered, which Tanner rejected, and was not insignificant.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Tanner Scott Rejected Chicago Cubs Offer
The Cubs put a four-year, $66 million offer on the table, according to Jon Morosi. “Heard the Cubs offered Tanner Scott a 4-year contract at $66 million, prior to his agreement with the Dodgers,” Morosi shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Scott’s orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. After a challenging start with the Baltimore Orioles, where he posted a 4.73 ERA over five seasons, he experienced a resurgence following his trade to the Miami Marlins in 2022.
In 2023, Scott achieved career-best numbers, recording a 2.31 ERA, a 2.17 FIP, and an impressive 33.9% strikeout rate. This success has continued into the current season, with Scott maintaining a 1.75 ERA and a 2.92 FIP, despite a slightly elevated walk rate.
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His success can be attributed to his dominant fastball-slider combination. His 97 mph fastball, coupled with a devastating slider that generates a 38.8% whiff rate, has proven to be an effective weapon against opposing hitters.
Following their recent World Series triumph, the Dodgers are strategically assembling a formidable bullpen. Scott’s addition to a unit already featuring prominent relievers like Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, and Alex Vesia further solidifies their bullpen’s dominance. Scott is expected to assume the role of closer for this high-powered relief corps.
This strategic bullpen reinforcement comes amidst a period of significant roster upgrades for the Dodgers. The team has made several key acquisitions, including the highly anticipated signings of Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell. These additions, coupled with other strategic moves, have propelled the Dodgers’ payroll to nearly $371 million.