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Why Dodgers Dave Roberts Reluctant to Name Team's Closer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By TJ French | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 2:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers have very few questions about their team heading into 2025. They won the World Series last season and added in every way during the offseason. Starting pitching is no longer an "issue," and they answered the shortstop/corner outfielder question.

A bullpen already nailed may have gotten even better with stronger leverage arms. However, Los Angeles's manager, Dave Roberts, has not officially announced who will close out games full-time.

“I think Tanner is going to get the brunt of the closing opportunities," said Roberts in an interview with Dodgers insider Bill Plunkett. "I just don’t want to be in a situation where it’s the eighth inning and it makes too much sense to have him pitch that inning, to have somebody behind him."

Flamethrower Michael Kopech is set to miss the start of the season but looks to be recovering well and will likely be ready within a month to get back out on the mound.

Los Angeles have a great problem with many high-caliber arms to get the ninth inning, but it seems Roberts is leaving the door open for Kopech to get closing opportunities due to his success last season.

The Dodgers will likely choose their closer wisely each game, based on certain matchups Roberts and the pitching coaches like. Without a closer, it's a "closer by committee situation."

Scott has already made it known that he has no problem in whatever role the Dodgers place him in, and he just wants to win. Considering he was a member of the San Diego Padres after the Dodgers beat the Padres in game 5 of the NLDS to go on to win the Fall Classic, his agony is understandable.

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

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