The Contract and Its Context

Tanner Scott's four-year, $72 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers—including $21 million in deferred payments—cemented his place among baseball's highest-paid relievers. The agreement followed his standout 2024 season with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, where he posted a 1.75 ERA, 22 saves, and 84 strikeouts in 72 innings. His All-Star selection and free-agent appeal drew interest from multiple teams. However, negotiations with the New York Yankees were brief and unproductive, despite Scott's reported interest. "I heard they were interested, but nothing materialized," Scott told the New York Daily News. The Yankees instead prioritized acquiring Devin Williams from the Brewers, a move that initially seemed cost-effective but has since raised questions.

Dodgers' Bold Bet on Dominance

The Dodgers' signing of Scott exemplifies their "win-now" philosophy, pushing their 2025 luxury-tax payroll to $375 million. Pairing Scott with Blake Snell and Rōki Sasaki creates a dominant bullpen trio, addressing key weaknesses like left-handed hitting matchups. Manager Dave Roberts highlighted Scott's ability to handle high-pressure situations, including his playoff experience against power-hitting lineups. His 2024 performance in the NLDS—where he pitched 4.1 scoreless innings against eventual champions the Dodgers—also factored into the decision.

Yankees' Crossroads: Cost vs. Reliability

Choosing Williams over Scott reflected the Yankees' belief in a younger, cheaper option (acquired for starter Nestor Cortés) and long-term roster flexibility. However, Williams' inconsistent 2025 start (4.28 ERA through June) has cast doubt on this strategy. Meanwhile, Scott's agent noted interest from the Braves and Mets, but the Dodgers' combination of financial commitment and championship pedigree proved decisive. "They showed me they’re here to win now—and that’s where I want to be," Scott said.

The Road Ahead

Scott's first half with the Dodgers has been uneven: a 3.42 ERA through June 2025 includes four blown saves but also a team-leading 15 saves and elite strikeout rates (11.2 K/9). Pitching coach Mark Prior attributes early struggles to overaggressiveness in the strike zone—a fixable issue. For the Yankees, relying on unproven relievers like Williams could haunt them in the competitive AL East. As the Dodgers double down on payroll spending, the Yankees' bullpen missteps may prove costly in October.

Key Takeaways

• Scott's contract ($72M over 4 years) emphasizes his value as a high-leverage closer
• Yankees' choice of Williams over Scott highlights short-term vs. long-term priorities
• Bullpen construction remains critical in the NL West and AL East races

Final Analysis

The Dodgers' gamble on Scott reflects their championship mindset, while the Yankees' decision underscores the risks of prioritizing cost over proven performance. As both teams navigate the 2025 Season, their bullpens will likely determine their playoff destinies.

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