Former Orioles' lefty heads to LA on multi-year deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers are an absolute machine. It's an incredible sales pitch to walk into a room and be able to offer prospective players the most money, and also give them the opportunity to play for what most people would consider the best team.

Sure, many players obviously sign elsewhere, and will continue to do so for a variety of reasons. But on the heels of landing yet another international superstar in Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers have struck again. This time, LA have nabbed the guy who could prove to be the best reliever on the market this winter in Tanner Scott. Mark Feinsand reported that Scott received a 4-year contract worth $72 million, with a chunk of that money being deferred.

Scott began his career with the Orioles, entering the system as a 6th round draft pick back in 2014. He would eventually make his major league debut in 2017. Scott always had a ton of potential, showing nasty swing and miss stuff in his early years without ever putting it all together at the same time.

Though he was quite good in the shortened 2020 season, Scott posted a 13.6% walk rate during his 5 years with the Orioles. He pitched to a 4.73 ERA in 156 innings over that stretch of time, which led to his eventual departure just prior to the 2022 season. Scott was traded to Miami along with reliever Cole Sulser for a pair of prospects in Antonio Velez and Kelvin Guerrero, and a Competitive Balance round B pick which wound up being outfielder Jud Fabian.

Former Orioles' reliever Tanner Scott is the latest top free agent to sign with the Dodgers

It wasn't until after he left Baltimore that Scott really found a rhythm. He struggled to a 4.31 ERA with the Marlins in 2022, but he did notch 20 saves and his 3.67 FIP gave fans plenty of reason to think more success was on the horizon. And it certainly was, as Scott was lights out in 2023.

While he managed just 12 saves in '23, Scott pitched to a 2.31 ERA with a 2.17 FIP and an exceptional 33.9% strikeout rate. He also managed to drop his walk rate to 7.8%, by far the lowest mark of his career. The walks took a step back in '24 but his results did not. Scott posted a 1.75 ERA in 72 innings en route to his first All Star selection while splitting time between Miami and San Diego.

Entering free agency this winter, MLB Trade Rumors predicted that he'd earn a 4-year deal in the neighborhood of $56 million. He far outpaced that mark with the $72 million he earned, and nearly reached the $20 million AAV mark in the process.

Scott was never a serious consideration for the Orioles, but there were a number of teams who were linked to him prior to the signing. Ultimately, the Dodgers just have such an enticing sales pitch that it's tough for guys to say no if given the opportunity. Maybe someday the Orioles will be in a place where they're the overwhelming favorite to sign whichever top free agent they like.