It\u2019s no secret the Los Angeles Dodgers\u2019 relief pitching was less than ideal in 2024, despite a World Series championship.<\/p>\n
Tied for third in MLB last year in blown saves (29) despite having the second-most save opportunities (79), the Dodgers remain firmly in the market for relief assistance.<\/p>\n
A name that Los Angeles has been linked to is All-Star free agent Tanner Scott.<\/p>\n
In 2024, Scott posted a 1.75 ERA with 22 saves, 84 strikeouts, and a career-high WAR of 4.0, far-and-away the highest mark in his dominant career.<\/p>\n
The Dodgers have made some much-needed additions to its pitching this offseason in\u00a0signing\u00a0Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Moreover, reigning NL MVP Shohei Ohtani\u00a0plans to be ready\u00a0to pitch at the start of 2025. However, relief help is still necessary for the defending champions.<\/p>\n
There now may be some insight on how deep the Dodgers front office will need to dig into their pockets to address this and bring Scott to Southern California.<\/p>\n
On The Fenway Rundown:<\/strong> Boston Red Sox podcast, co-host\u00a0Chris Cotillo\u00a0reported, \u201cI had somebody from the National League tell me last week that Scott was looking for four (years) times 20 (million).\u201d<\/p>\n This number feels extremely doable for an organization that has already established themselves as big spenders for top talent, and not to mention, Ohtani\u2019s history with the left-hander.<\/p>\n Scott is considered\u00a0\u2018kryptonite\u2019\u00a0to Ohtani, as Zachary Rotman of Fansided put it, and that may be enough of a reason to take the 30-year-old reliever off the market.<\/p>\n \u201cOhtani got to face Scott four times in Los Angeles\u2019 NLDS meeting with the San Diego Padres but struck out all four times. He has gone 1-for-13 against Scott with seven strikeouts overall. He has reached base just twice in 14 plate appearances in his career against the southpaw.\u201d<\/p>\n A different high-end reliever the Dodgers eyed at the start of the offseason was Devin Williams. The All-Star has since\u00a0been traded\u00a0to the New York Yankees,\u00a0despite being told\u00a0he was headed to Los Angeles.<\/p>\n Another team\u00a0linked\u00a0to Scott is the Atlanta Braves. David O\u2019Brien of the Athletic reported that he knows a \u201ccontender down South that lost two top setup men and hasn\u2019t spent any big money yet this winter\u201d and continued that Atlanta has \u201ca serious high-leverage lefty need in its bullpen.\u201d<\/p>\n