Dodgers' Blockbuster $72M Signing of Tanner Scott: A Masterstroke or Overspend?

Tanner Scott, arguably the best relief pitcher available in MLB free agency, has agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move sends shockwaves through the league, prompting questions about the Dodgers' spending habits and the overall value of the deal. The agreement, which includes a significant signing bonus and deferred payments, solidifies the Dodgers' already formidable bullpen for the upcoming 2025 season and beyond.

Scott's Impressive Track Record

Scott's recent performance justifies the hefty price tag to some extent. After being traded from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres in the middle of last season, he showcased his dominance in the second half with a remarkable 2.73 ERA and 31 strikeouts in just 26 1/3 innings. His success continued into the playoffs where he made a name for himself, holding the opposing team scoreless in five playoff innings, which notably included striking out Shohei Ohtani four times. According to Baseball Reference's WAR calculations, no reliever has been more valuable than Scott over the last two years. His incredible 7.6 WAR surpasses second place by more than a win. This remarkable performance solidified his status as one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason.

A Dominant Force on the Mound

Scott's success stems from a potent combination of a high-velocity fastball averaging 97 mph and a devastating slider. This lethal pairing keeps batters consistently off-balance. Last season, he boasted the lowest hard-hit rate amongst pitchers with at least 70 innings pitched. Further enhancing his dominance is an impressive 32.7% whiff rate, demonstrating his ability to generate swings and misses. However, the consistency of finding the strike zone has always been a question mark, though this contract suggests MLB teams believe he has overcome those earlier struggles.

The Dodgers' Aggressive Offseason Spending

The Dodgers' signing of Scott is the culmination of an aggressive and extravagant offseason spending spree. They have already made several high-profile acquisitions, including signing free-agent starting pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal and extending utility man Tommy Edman for five years at $74 million. Other notable additions include outfielder Michael Conforto, and the re-signing of home run derby champion Teoscar Hernandez. Even more, the Dodgers secured the services of Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki, adding another layer of depth to their pitching staff. The acquisition of Scott represents the final piece of the puzzle in their offseason makeover.

Financial Implications and Deferrals

While the Dodgers' spending is extravagant, their contract structure helps mitigate the immediate financial impact. Many of their recent contracts, including Scott's, feature significant signing bonuses combined with deferred payments, effectively spreading the financial burden over multiple years. This strategy allows them to maintain a highly competitive roster without significantly exceeding the luxury tax threshold in the present, though their total payroll for 2025 is estimated to be around $375 million and could reach closer to $400 million. This figure is significantly higher than any other team's, leading to a substantial luxury tax bill due to their exceeding the tax threshold for three consecutive years. This financial strategy does have its risks of the team facing unforeseen circumstances down the line, or unforeseen costs.

Scott's Role in the Dodgers' Bullpen

Scott's versatility is a key asset to the Dodgers. He has experience both as a closer and setup man, providing manager Dave Roberts with the flexibility he needs in high-leverage situations. He will be part of a bullpen that already boasts an array of talented arms, adding another layer of dominance for late-inning situations. With his experience and skills, Scott will be a huge addition to the Dodger's bullpen.

A Bullpen Built for Success

The Dodgers' bullpen is already one of the best in baseball, and the addition of Scott elevates it to another level. He will join a group of elite relievers, including Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, and Ryan Brasier, making the team's bullpen near unbeatable.

The Verdict: A Worthwhile Investment?

While the $72 million price tag for Scott is undeniably significant, his performance over the past two seasons, combined with his dominance in the playoffs, makes a compelling case for the investment. The Dodgers' financial strategy of using deferred payments reduces the immediate impact on their budget and allows them to continue building a championship-caliber team. The addition of Scott ensures that the Dodgers' bullpen will be a powerful weapon come postseason.

The Dodgers' strategy is ambitious, and while some may raise an eyebrow at the spending, the overall aim is clear: to win another World Series title. With Scott in their bullpen, their odds are significantly boosted. The team has once again showcased their commitment to building and sustaining a winning franchise.

The acquisition of Scott is undoubtedly a significant investment, but it’s difficult to find fault in a team that consistently prioritizes assembling the most talented roster in baseball. The combination of their aggressive acquisitions, shrewd financial management, and overwhelming talent makes the Dodgers a team to beat in the 2025 MLB season. This transaction underlines the lengths the Dodgers are willing to go to in pursuit of excellence, and solidifies their position as a strong contender for the World Series.