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You Can Never Have Too Many Closers!

The Los Angeles Dodgers finally signed Tanner Scott for their bullpen, giving them a plethora of closers… or maybe we should just call them “high-leverage relievers.” Dodgers, LHP Tanner Scott reportedly agree to four-year deal per https://t.co/Z3s2EphcSH 's @Feinsand…

By Mark Timmons2 min readJump to 13 comments

The Los Angeles Dodgers finally signed Tanner Scott for their bullpen, giving them a plethora of closers… or maybe we should just call them “high-leverage relievers.”

In addition to Scott, who has a total of 55 saves in his career, the Dodgers have the following pitchers with closing experience:

  • Evan Phillips – 45 saves
  • Michael Kopech – 15 saves
  • Brusdar Graterol – 11 saves
  • Ryan Brasier – 10 saves
  • Alex Vesia – 8 saves
  • Anthony Banda – 3 saves

But, the pitcher with the most closing experience is Blake Treinen with 80 saves. Adding Scott certainly gives them more options, but I am sure they did not sign Scott to a 4 year /$72 Million deal to overwork him. I would not be surprised if Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen have about as many saves as Scott! With Sasaki, the Dodgers are now loaded with starters and relievers.

Many have even wondered if the Dodgers will try and convert Dustin May to a reliever or maybe trade him? Tony Gonsolin and Landon Knack also could be part of a trade package. Who knows, if the Dodgers did not sign an International Prospect that they coveted, the could trade and get him back. They have that collateral. I can see the Dodgers making a trade in March or April… Stay Tuned!

Discussion (13)

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  1. DanoJanuary 19, 2025

    What the Dodgers are doing right now is historic for this era of baseball. They are utilizing every loophole and stratagem they can under the current CBA. They are leaving the other 29 teams in their dust. Granted, in the postseason there are plenty of intangibles to thwart the Dodgers but make no mistake, the new mantra is team first, defense second and the rest is gravy. The Dodgers are poised to be the greatest Dynasty in the post wildcard era. Until the new CBA or strike/lock out, no team on paper could possibly compete with the Boys in Blue. That and the fact that you will be well compensated are the reason so many stars are attracted to the organization. Absolutely the time to be a LADT fan.

    Book em

  2. Grant HakopianJanuary 19, 2025

    I’m excited to see Tanner Scott in Dodger blue!

  3. sbuffaloJanuary 19, 2025

    Not surprised about Tanner Scott. The Dodgers had been linked to him for some time. The front office had prioritized acquiring an elite level reliever, preferably a left hander. Mission accomplished.

    I thought it was interesting that Andrew Friedman in an interview a few weeks back said the game is very healthy financially.

    According to those who track revenue and expenses, the Dodgers are actually making money even with high payrolls and the improvements to Dodger Stadium

    The LA Times recently did the story on all the additional revenue that Ohtani brought in through advertising and sponsorship. That figure may be in the $50 -$60 million range.

    The Dodgers will make money with the deferrals through the investments of the deferred funds, which are required to be set aside.

    The Dodgers ownership and staff don’t a miss a beat.

    This is an amazing organization.

    Excellent article by Bill Shakin in the Times outlining why signing Sasaki was great for the game.

    Yes, it a great time to be a Dodger fan.

  4. Mark TimmonsJanuary 19, 2025

    There are lots of ways to manage the roster crunch. Tony Gonsolin has an option, so he could go down to build back up. Knack, Casparius, Wrobleski, and Frasso all have options. Also, watch Giovanny Gallegos (former Cardinals closer) and Jack Dreyer. There could be more trades… even after the season starts.

  5. Vinny’s GhostJanuary 19, 2025

    Great time to be a Dodger fan.

  6. dodgerdadJanuary 19, 2025

    Slow down AF! my heart can’t handle much more of this! i guess he could trade may and barnes to clear a spot for Kike and rushing!

  7. Duke Not SniderJanuary 19, 2025

    Geez. The way the Dodgers are pigging out, I’m starting to think they really will swing a deal for Luis Robert Jr.

    I thought Tanner Scott was a possibility, but unlikely. Definitely surprised by the size of the deal. Kudos to his agent.

    I like Scott and Treinen as tandem L/R closers, with Kopech, Phillips, Vesia, Banda and May setting them up. Opening rotation contenders: Yamamoto, Sasaki, Snell, Glasnow, Miller, Gonsolin, Knack…. with Shohei, Kershaw and Sheehan in the wings.

    Oh, the Dodgers are going to be so hated this season…

    What the hell.

    How about Miller + Wrobleski + Pages + ??? for Robert?

    I wonder how guys like Stone and River Ryan and Hurt feel about this stuff. They’re in recovery this season–but how many openings will there be in ’26? Jackson Ferris must wonder too. Quite a crowded pitching staff.

  8. MushersPopJanuary 19, 2025

    In your previous thread you listed the following starters:

    Snell

    Glasnow

    Yamamoto

    Sasaki

    Miller

    Gonsolin

    Then you add the 7 relievers you listed. That equals 13. Who is the long reliever? Is it May? If so, how does he fit if the roster is already at 13 pitchers.

    Like you said, assuming everyone stays healthy, there will be a need for at least one additional trade.

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