LOS ANGELES — After signing the best free agent starter, then followed by signing the best bullpen pitcher in the market as they signed left hander Tanner Scott to a four-year deal worth $72 million.
Scott's contract features a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deferred money, similar to other deals the Dodgers have made this winter.
The Dodgers' payroll is expected to reach approximately $370 million in 2025, while the combined payroll of the AL Central division will be around $544 million. Last offseason, Los Angeles committed $1.4 billion to player contracts. This offseason, they have signed Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Michael Conforto, while also re-signing Teoscar Hernandez, Blake Treinen, and Scott. This organization might be the most consistent in terms of putting talent on the field in professional sports.
The San Diego Padres traded for Scott from the Miami Marlins at last season's trade deadline, after he had spent nearly three seasons there and five with the Baltimore Orioles.
In 28 games with the Padres, he allowed a total of eight runs, four saves, and recorded a 3-1 record with a 2.73 ERA. Earlier in the season, while pitching for the Marlins, he appeared in 44 games, permitted only six runs, 18 saves, and posted an impressive 1.18 ERA.
The Dodgers made several significant moves during the offseason to strengthen their roster. They signed Blake Snell to a five-year contract worth $182 million, bringing in a top-tier pitcher to the team. Michael Conforto was added on a one-year deal for $17 million, adding depth to their outfield.
Additionally, the Dodgers re-signed Teoscar Hernandez to a three-year contract valued at $66 million and brought back pitcher Blake Treinen for two years at $22 million. They also secured Hyeseong Kim on a three-year deal worth $12.5 million, adding versatility to their lineup. Internationally, they made a notable investment, signing Roki Sasaki for $6.5 million. The team further bolstered its pitching staff by signing Scott to a four-year contract worth $72 million.
After winning the World Series, the Dodgers knew they had to bring back the NLCS MVP, Tommy Edman for five years at $74 million, solidifying his place in the lineup.
However, the team faced some losses, including the departure of Walker Buehler, who will no longer be part of the roster. Gavin Lux was traded, and both Daniel Hudson and Kevin Kiermaier announced their retirements, marking a period of transition for the franchise.