The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again demonstrated their dominance in the MLB’s financial arena, winning a heated bidding war for All-Star left-handed reliever Tanner Scott. The Dodgers inked Scott to a four-year, $73.5 million deal, stunning the Chicago Cubs and reinforcing their aggressive offseason strategy. The move adds a significant weapon to L.A.’s bullpen, positioning them even more firmly as one of the league’s most formidable contenders heading into the 2025 season.
Tanner Scott is coming off a stellar 2024 campaign, during which he posted a 1.75 ERA across 70 innings with the Miami Marlins and later the San Diego Padres. His high-velocity fastball and devastating slider combination made him one of the most sought-after arms in the free-agent market. With multiple teams vying for his services, the Cubs appeared to be a frontrunner, reportedly offering a four-year, $66 million contract. However, the Dodgers swooped in with a late, higher offer that ultimately secured the southpaw’s signature.
The Cubs, who had made bullpen upgrades a priority this offseason, are said to be reeling from the loss. Their failure to close the deal on Scott represents a missed opportunity to solidify the back end of their pitching staff, which struggled with consistency in 2024. With the NL Central remaining highly competitive, the Cubs’ front office will now need to pivot quickly to identify and pursue alternative relief options.
For the Dodgers, Scott’s arrival further deepens an already stacked roster. L.A. has made several headline-grabbing moves in recent years, showing a willingness to spend big to remain at the top of the National League. Adding Scott to a bullpen that already includes stars like Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol gives manager Dave Roberts even more flexibility in high-leverage situations. Scott is expected to play a pivotal role, either as a closer or a versatile setup man capable of handling both left- and right-handed hitters.
This signing also underscores a broader theme in modern MLB: financial firepower often wins the day. The Dodgers, one of the wealthiest and most aggressively managed franchises, continue to outpace smaller-market or less-spending teams like the Cubs in high-stakes negotiations. While some critics may point to competitive imbalance, fans in L.A. are unlikely to complain as their team continues to chase championships with relentless determination.
The ripple effects of this deal are sure to be felt across the league. Other contending teams in need of relief pitching may now turn their attention to remaining free agents or trade opportunities, potentially driving up prices even further. Meanwhile, the Cubs must regroup, knowing that their missed opportunity could haunt them in close divisional races or postseason matchups.
In securing Tanner Scott, the Dodgers haven’t just landed an elite arm—they’ve sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they are all-in on winning now, and they’re not afraid to flex their financial muscle to make it happen. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Scott fits into the Dodgers’ championship puzzle.