ESPN predicts Dodgers to sign $102M power arm, 3-time All-Star, to fix Tanner Scott's bullpen woes

Hunter Cookston

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ESPN predicts Dodgers to sign $102M power arm, 3-time All-Star, to fix Tanner Scott's bullpen woes image

Last offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a deal with Tanner Scott that seemed to signal they had found their closer. Ironically, the deal came a day after the Dodgers signed their playoff closer, who had previously been a starter. Scott’s signing was widely viewed as the Dodgers’ biggest offseason move.

“A day after the Dodgers welcomed Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, they introduced lefty relief ace Tanner Scott to Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon. Scott’s four-year, $72 million contract became official on Thursday, the club announced -- another move to massively upgrade their pitching staff,” MLB.com’s Brian Murphy wrote.

The season, however, did not go well for Scott. In fact, it got so rough that he began searching for answers as to why he was struggling so mightily. He eventually blamed himself for tipping pitches.

“I don’t know if I’m tipping or what but they’re on everything. It sucks.... It was a fastball above the zone. Maybe I’m tipping. I have no friggin’ clue right now. It’s terrible. I’m having the worst year of my life. I gotta be better,” Scott told the media.

With those struggles and a down year, ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes the Dodgers could pursue a big-name closer — specifically, New York Mets’ Edwin Diaz.

“While they have plenty of room to maneuver for a trade, the most obvious move is to hope the second time's the charm in spending big money on a closer after Tanner Scott's disappearing act this year. Sign free agent closer Edwin Diaz,” Passan wrote.

Adding Diaz to the Dodgers would be another unfair boost to an already stacked roster. It would make them stronger once again — so strong, in fact, that Kyle Tucker would likely not choose to come to Los Angeles if this deal is completed.

The Dodgers are clearly aiming for a three-peat next season. If they want a legitimate shot, addressing the holes in their bullpen will be a critical step.

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