What Happened to Tanner Alexander Scott?
Tanner Scott is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. A left-handed reliever known for his high-velocity fastball and slider, Scott debuted in MLB in 2017 with the Baltimore Orioles and has since played for the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres before signing a significant contract with the Dodgers in 2025. After a challenging 2025 season, he has shown a strong bounce-back performance in 2026.
Quick Answer
Tanner Scott is currently a left-handed relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, having signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the team in January 2025. After a difficult 2025 season marked by a high ERA and blown saves, Scott has significantly rebounded in 2026, showcasing improved control and effectiveness. As of July 4, 2026, he is a key component of the Dodgers' bullpen, stepping into a more prominent role due to injuries to other closers and demonstrating the form that made him an All-Star in 2024.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted by Baltimore Orioles
Tanner Scott was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 6th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft from Howard College.
MLB Debut with Baltimore Orioles
Scott made his Major League Baseball debut with the Baltimore Orioles against the Boston Red Sox, pitching 1.2 innings.
Traded to Miami Marlins
The Orioles traded Scott and Cole Sulser to the Miami Marlins in exchange for a draft pick and two minor league prospects.
Agrees to Contract with Marlins, Becomes Closer
Scott agreed to a one-year, $2.825 million contract with the Marlins, avoiding salary arbitration, and subsequently became the team's closer.
National League Reliever of the Month
Scott was named the National League Reliever of the Month for his outstanding performance during the final stretch of the 2023 season.
First All-Star Selection
Scott earned his first career MLB All-Star selection for his dominant performance in the first half of the 2024 season with the Marlins.
Traded to San Diego Padres
The Marlins traded Scott and Bryan Hoeing to the San Diego Padres in a multi-player deal.
Signs with Los Angeles Dodgers
Scott signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making him one of the highest-paid relievers in the league.
Records Rare Three-Pitch Save
Against the Philadelphia Phillies, Scott became only the fifth pitcher on record to record a save on three pitches while facing three batters.
Removed from Postseason Roster
Scott was removed from the Dodgers' Division Series roster after Game 3 due to a lower-body abscess procedure, missing the rest of the postseason.
Reveals Mechanical Changes for 2026 Season
Scott discussed the mechanical adjustments he made to improve his pitching in 2026 after a challenging 2025 season, focusing on avoiding 'middle-middle' pitches.
Strong Rebound in 2026 Season Noted
Analysts noted Scott's significant rebound in 2026, with improved strikeout and walk rates, and a reduction in home runs allowed, attributing it to a mentality shift and mechanical corrections.
Nails Down 8th Save of 2026 Season
Scott recorded his eighth save of the 2026 season, retiring the Tampa Bay Rays in order, demonstrating his improved performance as a key reliever for the Dodgers.
Continues Strong 2026 Performance
As of early July 2026, Tanner Scott continues to be a reliable arm in the Dodgers' bullpen, maintaining a strong ERA and save conversion rate, solidifying his bounce-back season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Tanner Alexander Scott's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round of the 2014 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Orioles on September 20, 2017, showcasing a powerful fastball that often touched 100 mph, though early in his career, control was a notable challenge. Scott spent several seasons with the Orioles, primarily as a bullpen arm, before being traded to the Miami Marlins on April 3, 2022, alongside Cole Sulser.
His tenure with the Marlins marked a significant turning point in his career. In 2023, Scott emerged as one of MLB's top relievers, agreeing to a one-year, $2.825 million contract and becoming the team's closer. He posted a 2.31 ERA with 104 strikeouts and 12 saves in 78 innings across 74 appearances, earning the National League Reliever of the Month award for September/October. This success continued into the first half of 2024, where he registered a stellar 1.18 ERA with 53 strikeouts and 18 saves in 44 appearances, earning his first All-Star selection.
On July 30, 2024, Scott was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he continued his strong performance, pitching 26.1 innings with a 2.73 ERA and four saves, and notably striking out Shohei Ohtani four times in the postseason Division Series. His dominant 2023-2024 seasons made him a highly sought-after free agent. On January 23, 2025, Scott signed a lucrative four-year, $72 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a deal that included a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deferred salary.
However, his first season with the Dodgers in 2025 proved challenging. Scott struggled with his mechanics and confidence, leading to a 4.74 ERA over 57 innings and an MLB-worst 10 blown saves. He also dealt with a lower-body abscess procedure that sidelined him for the postseason, which the Dodgers ultimately won. Entering 2026, Scott was determined to rebound, focusing on mechanical adjustments and a mentality shift to avoid leaving pitches 'middle-middle'.
As of July 4, 2026, Tanner Scott has successfully turned his performance around. He has been a much stronger presence in the Dodgers' bullpen, stepping into a more critical role, especially with closer Edwin Díaz sidelined due to injury. Scott's 2026 statistics reflect this resurgence, with a significantly improved ERA, strikeout-to-walk ratio, and save conversions, demonstrating that he is once again living up to the expectations of his substantial contract.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Tanner Alexander Scott made different choices?