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Is Tanner Scott Reliable Closer? Deep Dive into Dodgers’ New Bullpen Arm

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alvin Garcia | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers have consistently sought bullpen upgrades, and Tanner Scott has emerged as a potential ninth-inning weapon. But is he truly a reliable closer? Based on Statcast, there are both strengths and weaknesses.

One of Scott’s most appealing traits is his ability to miss bats. In 2024, he boasts a 30.4% strikeout rate, which remains well above the MLB average of 22.2%. His 2023 strikeout rate was even better at 33.9%, placing him among the league’s most dominant relievers. A lethal fastball-slider combination fuels his ability to generate swings and misses.

His 97.0 mph four-seamer (59.2% usage) is an actual weapon, ranking in the top tier of relievers in velocity. Meanwhile, his 88.5 mph slider (40.7% usage) generates a 38.8% whiff rate, proving it’s an effective put-away pitch.

Batters were hitting just .200 against him in 2024, and his expected batting average (xBA) of .241 confirms that hitters struggle to square him up.

Scott has done a great job keeping the ball off barrels. His hard-hit rate is 35.1%, which is solid but not elite. His ability to suppress slugging is evident. In 2024, opponents managed just a .320 expected slugging percentage (xSLG), well below the league average of .368.

His 52.0% ground ball rate also helps him limit his home run potential in key situations.

Scott’s most significant concern has always been his walk rate. While he has improved, his 12.2% walk rate in 2024 is still higher than ideal for a closer. That’s a slight uptick from 7.8% in 2023, and high walk rates often lead to unnecessary baserunners in high-leverage situations.

Additionally, his limited pitch mix could become a problem. His reliance on just two pitches (fastball and slider) makes him somewhat predictable, particularly against right-handed hitters. He can struggle to put hitters away efficiently if his command falters or his slider isn’t sharp.

Scott has the raw tools to be a reliable closer, and his elite strikeout ability makes him an intriguing late-inning option. However, his walk rate remains a significant concern, and if he doesn’t improve his command, he could find himself in trouble during tight games.

If he continues to limit hard contact while refining his control, he has the potential to thrive as the Dodgers' go-to closer.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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