The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant addition to their bullpen by signing closer Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract. Scott, who previously pitched for the Miami Marlins, recently faced his former team and achieved a noteworthy milestone by striking out the 500th batter of his career.

In a post-game interview, Scott revealed that he was unaware of his achievement until informed by his wife. Interestingly, he did not request the baseball commemorating this milestone, reflecting his focus on future performance rather than past accomplishments. With a stellar 2.40 ERA in 2025, Scott is already proving to be a key asset for the Dodgers, contributing significantly to their pitching staff amidst recent injury challenges.

The Dodgers celebrated their World Series win with a home opener featuring pregame festivities and gold-accented jerseys, but for new players like Tanner Scott, Michael Conforto, and Kirby Yates, the experience brought mixed feelings. They were honored yet felt like outsiders, having not contributed to last year's victory. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of fostering a championship mentality among these newcomers, who came to the Dodgers seeking another chance at winning. The recent acquisitions shared a common goal: to chase another title and strengthen the team’s already star-studded roster, particularly as the Dodgers aim for back-to-back championships.

With a robust offseason investment, the Dodgers acquired depth to mitigate the toll of a long season, a strategy that resonates with Yates's past struggles with defending champions. As the new players watched their teammates receive championship rings, they felt an urge to contribute to a future celebration. The blend of pride and aspiration is palpable, as they prepare to leave their marks on the Dodgers’ pursuit for another title.

As the 2024 MLB season kicks off, the closer landscape is filled with intriguing options for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Emmanuel Clase, who had an impressive 0.61 ERA and 40-plus saves last season, leads the pack for the Cleveland Guardians, solidifying his position as the favorite to lead the American League in saves once again. Following him is Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics, who showcased his skills with a league-leading 41.8% strikeout rate last season. Meanwhile, Devin Williams is poised to bring his dominant form to the New York Yankees after a stellar finish to last season, making him a valuable asset in fantasy lineups. Josh Hader, now with the Houston Astros, remains a top-tier option despite past inconsistencies.

Further down the rankings, Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals and Edwin Díaz of the New York Mets represent elite choices, albeit with some injury concerns and performance fluctuations. Andrés Muñoz is expected to step up in Seattle, while Raisel Iglesias continues to be a reliable veteran for the Atlanta Braves. Rookies and less-established players like Jhoan Duran and Ryan Walker are also making noise, presenting potential hidden gems for savvy fantasy managers. As the season unfolds, monitoring these closers' performances will be crucial for fantasy success.

Tanner Scott's journey from an overlooked college pitcher to a dominant closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers illustrates the classic underdog story in baseball. After being drafted from Notre Dame College, Scott faced challenges with control and consistency, yet his raw talent shone through. His ability to throw at speeds exceeding 100 mph caught the attention of major league teams. In 2025, he signed a lucrative contract with the Dodgers, solidifying his role as a late-inning weapon. His impressive statistics, including leading all relievers in fWAR last season, highlight his growth and potential as a game-changer on a championship-caliber roster.

Scott's tenure with the Miami Marlins showcased his talent, where he was responsible for pivotal saves despite playing for a struggling team. His transition to the Dodgers not only reunites him with close friend Evan Phillips but also places him in a competitive environment. As Scott continues to harness his pitching mechanics and turns his high-velocity arsenal into consistent results, he is set to play a key role for a team with World Series aspirations.

In the 2025 fantasy baseball season, targeting saves is crucial for constructing a competitive team. The article highlights ten relief pitchers, including top closers and potential breakout candidates. Key players include Josh Hader, who boasts impressive strikeout rates and durability, making him a prime target. Other significant mentions are Trevor Megill, who's stepping up for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Jeff Hoffman, who returns to the Blue Jays as their closer. Speculative plays like Orion Kerkering from the Phillies are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of assessing injury risks and role changes.

Andrés Muñoz and Jhoan Duran are highlighted for their potential as elite closers. Tanner Scott is expected to lead save opportunities for the Dodgers, while David Bednar is seen as a bounce-back candidate. Lastly, Mason Miller, despite being on the Athletics, has shown dominant performances that merit attention. A strategic approach to selecting these pitchers can significantly enhance a fantasy team's chances for success.