Tanner Scott Joins Dodgers With $72M Deal \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Los Angeles Dodgers signed reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract, which includes $21 million in deferred payments. Scott, a first-time All-Star in 2023, receives a $20 million signing bonus and various performance-based incentives. The Dodgers’ 2023-24 offseason investments have exceeded $1.3 billion, emphasizing their commitment to sustained success.
Tanner Scott’s $72M Dodgers Deal: Quick Looks
- Contract Terms: Four years, $72 million, with $21 million in deferred salaries.
- Signing Bonus: $20 million, payable in installments from 2025-2028.
- Performance Incentives: Up to $4 million in 2029 for games played and finished.
- Additional Perks: Hotel suite on road trips, 1% earnings donated to team charity.
- Dodgers’ Spending Spree: Over $1.3 billion committed to players in 2023-24.
Deep Look
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made waves once again, securing left-handed reliever Tanner Scott on a lucrative four-year, $72 million deal. Announced on Thursday, this contract solidifies Scott’s position as one of MLB’s premier bullpen arms and underscores the Dodgers’ commitment to maintaining their dominance following a second World Series win in five years. The signing is part of an ambitious offseason spending spree, showcasing the team’s relentless drive for success.
Breaking Down the Contract
Scott’s $72 million deal is structured with flexibility for both the player and the franchise. The agreement includes:
- Deferred Salaries: $21 million of his total compensation is deferred, allowing the Dodgers to manage their payroll efficiently while ensuring Scott receives his due earnings over time.
- Signing Bonus: A hefty $20 million bonus is spread across four annual payments from 2025 to 2028.
- Annual Salaries: Scott will earn $11 million in both 2025 and 2026, followed by $15 million in 2027 and 2028. From each year’s salary, $5.25 million will be deferred, further spreading out the financial obligations.
The contract also includes a conditional $5 million option for 2029, contingent on Scott avoiding a trade and sustaining a defined injury. If he meets these conditions and the option is exercised, Scott can earn up to $4 million in performance bonuses for games played and games finished:
- Games Played: $500,000 for 67 appearances and an additional $1 million for 72.
- Games Finished: $750,000 each for 30 and 35 games finished, with a further $1 million for reaching 40 games finished.
Additionally, Scott’s contract offers unique perks, including a hotel suite on road trips and a clause requiring him to donate 1% of his annual earnings to the Dodgers’ charitable foundation. If traded, Scott will receive a one-time $3 million assignment bonus.
Tanner Scott’s Career Highlights
Tanner Scott’s impressive journey to becoming one of MLB’s most sought-after relievers is marked by consistent growth and standout performances. The 30-year-old southpaw enjoyed a career-best season in 2023, earning his first All-Star selection. Splitting the year between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, he recorded:
- Win-Loss Record: 9-6
- ERA: A stellar 1.75
- Saves: 22 saves in 24 opportunities
- Strikeouts: 84 batters over 72 innings, paired with 36 walks
Scott’s dominance on the mound helped both Miami and San Diego secure critical wins during the regular season. Over his seven-year MLB career, he has amassed a 31-24 record, a solid 3.56 ERA, and 55 saves, playing for the Baltimore Orioles (2017-2021), Miami Marlins (2022-2023), and San Diego Padres (2023).
Dodgers’ Offseason Spending Spree
The Dodgers’ signing of Tanner Scott is part of a larger strategy to maintain their competitive edge. During the 2023-24 offseason, Los Angeles committed over $1.3 billion to bolster its roster, making it one of the most ambitious spending periods in team history. Key acquisitions include:
- Shohei Ohtani: A groundbreaking $700 million deal over 10 years.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto: $325 million across 12 years, solidifying the rotation.
- Tyler Glasnow: $136.56 million for five years, strengthening the starting rotation.
- Will Smith: A 10-year, $140 million contract to retain their star catcher.
In addition to Scott’s deal, the Dodgers also secured:
- Blake Snell: Five years, $182 million.
- Teoscar Hernández: Three years, $66 million.
- Michael Conforto: One year, $17 million.
- Hyeseong Kim: Three years, $12.5 million.
- Roki Sasaki: A minor league contract with a $6.5 million signing bonus.
The Dodgers also paid international release fees of $50.63 million for Yamamoto and $1.63 million for Sasaki, further demonstrating their global talent investment.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
With their latest acquisitions, the Dodgers have assembled one of MLB’s most formidable rosters. By adding Tanner Scott to their bullpen, Los Angeles addresses a critical area of need, ensuring late-game reliability and depth. The team’s focus on strategic investments aligns with their pursuit of sustained success, as they look to add more championships to their impressive history.
Scott’s arrival, combined with the Dodgers’ multi-billion-dollar offseason commitments, positions the franchise as a perennial contender in an increasingly competitive league. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Dodgers as they aim to capitalize on their monumental investments and secure their place as one of baseball’s greatest dynasties.
Tanner Scott Joins Tanner Scott Joins
