Dodgers Analyst Highlights Major Obstacle for Tanner Scott’s Potential Move to Los Angeles’ NL West Team

As the 2025 Major League Baseball season looms, teams across the league are looking for ways to bolster their rosters. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, a club that consistently aims for postseason success, one player on their radar could be the hard-throwing left-handed reliever Tanner Scott. Scott, who has impressed over the last few years with his electric fastball and slider combination, could be an intriguing addition to the Dodgers’ bullpen. However, recent commentary from Dodgers analysts suggests there are significant challenges that would make such a move difficult for both Scott and the team.

In a detailed analysis, a seasoned Dodgers analyst breaks down the factors that could act as major obstacles to Scott’s potential transition to Los Angeles. Below are the primary considerations that highlight the complexity of acquiring and integrating the 29-year-old reliever into the Dodgers’ fold.

1. The Dodgers’ Existing Bullpen Depth

One of the primary hurdles the Dodgers face in bringing Tanner Scott into the fold is the significant depth already present in their bullpen. Los Angeles is known for assembling one of the most formidable pitching staffs in baseball, often carrying a mix of high-leverage relievers and versatile arms that can cover a variety of roles.

The Dodgers’ bullpen currently includes several established and reliable arms such as Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and Yency Almonte. These pitchers have been critical in high-leverage situations over the past seasons, and adding Scott to this mix would likely require reshuffling roles or increasing the workload of already high-usage relievers. This could create a scenario where the Dodgers’ managerial team has to carefully evaluate how Scott would fit into their well-established bullpen hierarchy.

Tanner Scott’s power fastball and slider profile suggest that he could be used as a late-inning option or a setup man, which would overlap with roles already filled by several key Dodgers relievers. With such strong internal competition, Scott may not immediately be able to claim a clear, consistent role within the bullpen, which could lead to complications for both him and the team.

2. Scott’s Command Issues

Tanner Scott is known for his raw power on the mound, with a fastball that can touch triple digits and a slider that has the potential to dominate. However, there is one notable flaw in his game: his command. Over his career, Scott has struggled with issuing walks at an alarming rate, which has led to high pitch counts and at times, inconsistency. In 2024, Scott posted a walk rate of 5.3 batters per nine innings. Such command issues can become problematic in high-leverage situations, where minimizing base runners is critical.

For a team like the Dodgers, who emphasize precision and control in their pitching strategy, Scott’s inability to consistently locate his pitches could be a significant downside. The Dodgers may be hesitant to invest in a reliever who has shown such volatility in his command, especially when they already have a collection of pitchers who excel in commanding the strike zone.

Scott’s control issues may also pose challenges when it comes to how he would fit into high-leverage situations. The Dodgers often rely on their bullpen to navigate pressure-packed innings, and a pitcher prone to walks could become a liability in critical moments. Although Scott has the raw stuff to dominate at times, the Dodgers’ preference for consistency and control might make it difficult for him to gain a foothold in their bullpen.

3. Financial Considerations and Contract Demands

Another significant obstacle to a potential deal for Tanner Scott revolves around financial considerations. As a reliever with a high velocity and impressive strikeout numbers, Scott will likely demand a substantial contract in free agency, especially if he continues to perform well in the 2025 season. The Dodgers have consistently operated with one of the highest payrolls in MLB, and their financial flexibility is always a point of scrutiny when it comes to adding new players.

The Dodgers’ front office has been strategic in managing their payroll, often staying below certain luxury tax thresholds to avoid major penalties. Adding Scott, especially if he commands a lucrative multi-year deal, could push the Dodgers further into luxury tax territory, complicating their financial outlook. This is particularly pertinent given the need to consider future salary commitments for other key players on the roster, including core stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw.

There is also the issue of the Dodgers’ philosophy regarding the bullpen. Historically, Los Angeles has not been as willing to make massive financial investments in relievers, preferring to develop homegrown talent or find more cost-effective solutions through free agency or trade. This reluctance to overspend on relief pitching could make a major investment in Tanner Scott less appealing, particularly given the Dodgers’ existing bullpen depth and their current payroll constraints.

4. The Intangibles of Scott’s Health and Durability

While Scott has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, health and durability concerns have also cropped up at times. Although he has generally been a reliable option in recent seasons, there have been instances where his velocity dipped or he struggled with minor injuries. Relievers, in particular, are often subject to arm-related issues, and the Dodgers are known for being cautious when it comes to integrating players with potential durability concerns.

The Dodgers’ medical staff is among the most diligent in the league, ensuring that players are not overworked or pushed beyond their physical limits. Given Scott’s injury history and the intensity with which he throws, the Dodgers would need to assess whether he is capable of maintaining his peak performance level over the course of a full season. There could be concerns about the long-term health of Scott, especially considering the toll that bullpen innings can take on a pitcher’s arm.

Additionally, the Dodgers’ success in developing pitchers through their system — both starters and relievers — means that they may prefer to invest in homegrown talent rather than signing a free agent like Scott, who might present more risk in terms of both injury and long-term durability.

5. The Competitive Landscape of the NL West

Finally, one of the more nuanced challenges for Tanner Scott joining the Dodgers is the intense competition within the NL West division. The division is home to several teams with strong pitching staffs and aggressive front offices. As such, Scott would be joining a division filled with rival teams that are constantly trying to strengthen their bullpens and build elite pitching depth.

A team like the San Diego Padres, who have been heavily invested in improving their roster through big-money signings, could look to add Scott to bolster their bullpen. Similarly, the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have made significant strides in recent years, may be another potential suitor for Scott’s services. The Dodgers would need to outbid these teams or offer Scott a compelling opportunity to come to Los Angeles, both in terms of financial compensation and an important role in their bullpen.

The fierce competition within the NL West means that Scott may not see joining the Dodgers as the best fit for his career, particularly if he feels that other teams could offer him a more defined role or more financial security. The Dodgers would need to sell Scott on their winning culture, their bullpen development programs, and their commitment to postseason contention if they are to convince him to sign with them over other potential suitors.