by Cary Osborne
The Dodgers felt they were close to acquiring left-handed reliever Tanner Scott before the 2024 trade deadline. It went the other way — actually south to San Diego — as the All-Star was dealt from Miami to the San Diego Padres.
So after seeing him continue to overpower and baffle hitters into the postseason, the Dodgers remained hot on the veteran pitcher. In fact, the first call the free agent Scott received this offseason was from the Dodgers.
Scott’s introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium on Thursday gave off a tone of mutual gratitude after the 30-year-old agreed to a four-year deal. Scott used the words “thank you” to Dodger baseball operations leaders Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes. Gomes talked about how thankful Dodger hitters are knowing they no longer have to face the eight-year veteran.
“Our pitching group was incredibly excited when they found out the news about Tanner joining us. But I do think what was even more impressive and speaks volumes to who Tanner is is that I think our hitting group was equally as giddy not having to face him and game plan for him,” Gomes said. “Because the stuff that he’s bringing just is not something that you can game plan for.”
Right back at you.
“They’re not a fun team to face, especially one, two, three — it’s kind of unfair,” Scott said. “I was really happy that (the Dodgers) made an offer. … I know we’re ready to win another (championship). I’ll be a part of this one.”
Scott’s stuff is electric — particularly difficult for left-handed batters to square up or even touch. He leaped forward after a 2022 trade from Baltimore to Miami and linked up with pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr.
“My first year in Miami, I wasn’t the greatest,” Scott said. “We worked a lot, a lot. So I give a lot of credit to him. And in ’23 and ’24 everything clicked. And it was, I want to go out there and attack. I just want the ball. I want to win. And that’s my mindset every single day.”
One significant difference for Scott has been strike one. His first-pitch strike percentage jumped in 2022 from 54.7% to 69.4% in 2023. It was at 67.3% in 2024.
Scott had a 2.04 ERA, 2.53 FIP and 1.05 WHIP the last two seasons compared to 4.61/3.91/1.56 the previous six.
The Dodgers heard nothing but rave reviews from afar about Scott’s work ethic, selflessness and competitive nature. It all spelled out to a perfect fit for the Dodger bullpen.
Scott earned 54 saves over the last three seasons with 22 converted in 2024. He’ll get that opportunity to close out games for the Dodgers. But another appealing aspect that he brings is how he adds another piece to the Dodger bullpen that can be utilized in various high-leverage situations — not just the ninth inning.
“It’s part of the culture that Doc (Dave Roberts) and Bardo (bullpen coach Josh Bard) have built,” Gomes said. “And whether it trends one way or the other, I think the group as a whole just knows, ‘Hey, I’m going to go out and do my job when the phone rings. I’m going to go out and handle my business because they’re putting me in the best position to succeed. And this is about championships, and not just individuals. So I think it speaks to the culture of that group being quite special.”
The Dodgers finally get their man in Tanner Scott was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.