Mon Jan 20 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Dodgers Sign Top Reliever Tanner Scott to Record-Breaking Deal

**Los Angeles, CA** – The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued their offseason spending spree, signing top free-agent reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract. The deal, one of the largest ever for a reliever, solidifies the Dodgers’ already formidable bullpen.

Scott, a 30-year-old southpaw, was traded to the San Diego Padres last summer. He impressed in his time with San Diego, posting a 2.73 ERA and 31 strikeouts in just 26 1/3 innings. His performance, including a dominant playoff showing where he struck out seven batters in five scoreless innings – four of them against Shohei Ohtani – cemented his status as the top reliever on the market. Baseball Reference’s WAR metric ranked Scott as the most valuable reliever over the past two seasons.

Known for his devastating fastball/slider combination and remarkably low hard-hit rate, Scott’s biggest question mark has always been his control. However, he’s significantly improved his walk rate in recent years, a factor that clearly didn’t deter the Dodgers. His versatility, capable of both closing and setting up, adds further value to the signing.

This signing is the latest in a series of aggressive moves by the Dodgers this offseason, following the acquisitions of starting pitcher Blake Snell ($182 million), utilityman Tommy Edman ($74 million), outfielder Michael Conforto ($17 million), and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez ($66 million), as well as the signing of Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim and Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers’ payroll is expected to reach close to $400 million in 2025, a figure that reflects their commitment to assembling a championship-caliber team. While the luxury tax significantly impacts their spending, the Dodgers’ ownership has shown a willingness to pay the price for sustained success. The team’s continued dominance makes them an attractive destination for future free agents, further strengthening their position as a perennial contender.

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