Sources – Dodgers closer to Tanner Scott on 4-year, $72 million contract

The Los Angeles Dodgers have added left-hander Tanner Scott, arguably the best relief pitcher on the free agent market, by agreeing to terms on a four-year, $72 million contract, sources told Jeff on Sunday Passan from ESPN.

The addition of Scott likely puts the finishing touches on another busy offseason for the defending World Series champions.

Before Scott, the Dodgers signed Blake Snell, one of the best starters on the market; brought back Teoscar Hernandez and signed Michael Conforto, solidifying the corner outfield; signed Korean second baseman Hyeseong Kim, freeing up a Gavin Lux trade; Tommy Edman extended; and, in one of the biggest developments of the winter, the phenomenon attracted Roki Sasaki.

Now, Scott, 30, will slot into the backfield of a dominant bullpen alongside Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia and Ryan Brasier, among other high-leverage arms.

Originally a sixth-round pick in 2014, Scott has established himself as a dominant force over the past two years. With the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres from 2023 to 2024, Scott posted a 2.04 ERA in 146 appearances, striking out 188 batters and issuing 60 walks in 150 innings.

With Scott, the Dodgers’ luxury tax payroll is estimated at about $375 million, about $70 million more than the second-place Philadelphia Phillies.

The New York Yankees are the only other team with a competitive payroll projected to exceed $300 million.