Many baseball enthusiasts are expressing frustration over the Roki Sasaki deal, feeling that the Los Angeles Dodgers are accumulating talent at an alarming rate, leaving other teams scrambling to catch up. Even loyal Dodgers fans are questioning whether the team could at least pretend to foster a competitive environment in Major League Baseball. This week may have been a rollercoaster for those sentiments, as the Dodgers made significant moves beyond the Sasaki signing that could shape their roster for the 2025 season. Recently, they secured the top free-agent reliever, Tanner Scott, and are reportedly finalizing terms with Kirby Yates, pending a physical. Let’s delve into Scott’s impact first before exploring the potential Yates addition.

Tanner Scott has signed a lucrative four-year deal worth $72 million, a testament to his elite status among relief pitchers. His impressive statistics, including a 2.04 ERA and a 2.53 FIP over the past two seasons, highlight his effectiveness on the mound. Scott’s arsenal features a devastating slider and a fastball that consistently reaches velocities of 96-98 mph, occasionally hitting the 100 mph mark. His fastball is highly regarded by pitch analysis models, affirming its place among the best in the league. Although he has a tendency to issue walks, this is often a trade-off teams accept when acquiring a skilled reliever of his caliber.

In the 2024 postseason, the Dodgers heavily relied on their bullpen, a strategy influenced by injuries to their starting rotation and tactical decisions. They formed a formidable bullpen with four reliable late-game options, employing them strategically based on the game situation. Whether it was bringing in a closer to face the toughest opponent in the sixth inning or responding to unexpected challenges, the Dodgers demonstrated a proactive approach to managing their pitching resources, showcasing their depth and flexibility in high-pressure scenarios.

The Dodgers’ bullpen, which includes key pitchers like Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Alex Vesia, remains intact as they head into the next season. Additionally, Brusdar Graterol is expected to return mid-season, further strengthening an already impressive lineup. With a star-studded starting rotation, young talents such as Gavin Stone, River Ryan, Bobby Miller, and Emmet Sheehan are also likely to contribute from the bullpen, ensuring the team has an abundance of options for various game situations.

The addition of Scott is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the reliability of the bullpen. Relievers are notoriously unpredictable year-to-year, which makes depth essential. While Kopech had a standout performance in his stint with the Dodgers, his inconsistency raises concerns about his role as a stable closer. Treinen, despite being a top talent, faces challenges due to age and past injuries. Phillips and Vesia have shown steadiness, but history has demonstrated that even the most reliable pitchers can experience sudden declines.

To win the World Series next year, the Dodgers recognize the need for an enhanced bullpen. Their innovative approach during the postseason last year provided a competitive edge, demonstrating the importance of having multiple relief options at their disposal. Entering 2025 with a lineup of aging relievers could be a regression, and the Dodgers are committed to maintaining their competitive status in the league by continually improving their roster.

It may seem premature to speculate about a playoff bullpen this early in the year, especially with spring training still months away. However, the Dodgers are expected to make another playoff push, and Scott’s presence, if he remains healthy, positions him as a top lefty option in high-stakes games.

During the previous postseason, Los Angeles’ bullpen logged an impressive 82 innings. If they aim for another championship, a similar workload is anticipated. The depth of the bullpen was critical last year, allowing for low-leverage relievers to step up when needed, easing the burden on the primary quartet. Adding Scott increases the team’s ability to withstand potential injuries or extra close games without depleting their resources.

Considering the current pitching rotation, there are questions about whether all starters will consistently reach the seventh inning in crucial playoff games. With Roki Sasaki transitioning to a new league and recovering from injuries, along with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow not being known for their durability, the Dodgers must think strategically about their pitching depth. Shohei Ohtani‘s return from injury will also lead to cautious management. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, another recent addition, has shown limitations in playoff innings pitched, which further emphasizes the necessity of a robust bullpen.

The Dodgers’ focus on risk management is a wise strategy, particularly given their need for a consistently performing bullpen. Their previous playoff experiences have shown how vital this aspect is to their success. With a roster already filled with stars, led by one of the greatest players in the game, investing in a top-tier reliever like Scott was a strategic decision that reinforces their championship aspirations.

The specifics of Scott’s contract reflect the Dodgers’ approach, featuring a $20 million signing bonus along with $21 million deferred payments. This deal strikes a balance between being competitive in the market while avoiding extreme financial risks. While long-term performance for relievers can be unpredictable, Scott’s immediate impact is undeniable. He is likely to excel during the regular season, providing valuable contributions as the Dodgers prepare for postseason challenges. The depth he brings to the bullpen will position them favorably for upcoming playoff runs, setting a foundation for future success.

Looking at Kirby Yates, who is also poised to join the Dodgers, offers a glimpse into the volatility of relief pitching. Yates was the best reliever in baseball during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, boasting an impressive 1.67 ERA and a staggering 1.93 FIP. However, subsequent years were marred by injuries, resulting in a mere 70 innings pitched over four seasons and an uncharacteristic 4.93 FIP. His inconsistent availability raises concerns, but the upside of his talent is undeniable. Assuming his signing is finalized, Yates will represent a high-risk, high-reward addition to the bullpen, similar to Scott’s case.

The Dodgers are aware that managing their roster will come with its own set of challenges, particularly as they incorporate a six-man rotation while also adding veteran relievers. This could create complexities in bullpen management, especially since only a few relievers have remaining options. However, injuries are an inevitable part of the game and may alleviate some of the roster pressure. Ultimately, having an abundance of quality relievers is a preferable problem to the alternative of not having enough reliable arms.

In conclusion, the Dodgers’ efforts to enhance their bullpen reflect a thoughtful approach to roster construction. Fans should be excited about the direction the team is taking. The Dodgers are not merely throwing money around; they are strategically investing in their roster to maximize value. While other teams focus on cutting costs, the Dodgers are leaning into their strengths, which includes securing talented players like Scott and Yates to solidify their status as a dominant force in baseball.