The Los Angeles Dodgers did not receive the results they were expecting from Tanner Scott in 2025 after making him MLB’s third-highest paid relief pitcher in terms of average annual value (AAV).
The Dodgers envisioned Scott as their primary closer when he signed a four-year, $72 million contract last offseason. He was coming off a year that included impressive performances against the Dodgers during the season and playoffs, and in particular when matched up against Shohei Ohtani.
The left-hander had a 1.75 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 72 innings during the regular season and followed it up with four scoreless innings out of the San Diego Padres’ bullpen in the postseason.
But Scott went on to have the worst season of his career in 2025 and was hampered by injuries. That included missing a chunk of the second half because of left elbow inflammation and an unexpected abscess excision procedure on his backside that prevented Scott from pitching in the postseason.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is willing to bet on a bounce-back year for Scott in 2026 because he sees how motivated the left-hander is to be an important driver of the bullpen’s success, via SportsNet LA:
“First and foremost, obviously he had the injury during the playoffs. But he loved winning. It’s fun to see guys’ reaction after you win. He loved it, and I think as motivated as he was, I think it added even a little bit more. He’s hungry. He’s hungry to get back out there and be a big part of what we do in 2026, and I would definitely bet on him.”
Additionally, Manager Dave Roberts is convinced Scott was dealing with hidden health issues last season which he believes contributed to an “outlier year.”
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes is the third major figure to voice his support and expectation for Scott to have better results in 2026.
Tanner Scott’s struggles in 2025
Scott finished 1-4 with a 4.74 ERA, 4.70 FIP, 1.26 WHIP and an MLB-worst 10 blown saves in 57 innings across 61 appearances.
In two seasons before joining the Dodgers, Scott pitched 150 innings with a 2.04 ERA, 2.53 FIP and 1.05 WHIP while striking out an elite 31.3% of hitters.
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