Tanner Scott, once a highly sought-after reliever, has experienced a troubling start to his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After signing a lucrative four-year, $72 million contract, his performance has faltered significantly. In 26.2 innings, Scott has a 4.73 ERA, a stark contrast to his 1.75 ERA from last season. This decline includes a rise in opponent batting average from .179 to .267 and an increase in home runs allowed. His fastball, which he relied on heavily last year, is now being consistently hit, reflecting a drop in velocity and precision.

The Dodgers, already dealing with injuries to their pitching staff, find Scott's struggles particularly detrimental. With five blown saves already this season, Scott's performance is becoming a major concern for a team that owns a collective 4.13 ERA, ranking 22nd in the league. Manager Dave Roberts has faced challenges, particularly regarding the status of notable players like Mookie Betts, as he navigates through this turbulent period.

Tanner Scott, the newly assigned closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been struggling in high-pressure situations, particularly during recent games. In a notable ninth-inning collapse against the New York Mets, Scott allowed a three-run lead to evaporate, leading to a 13-inning game that the Dodgers eventually won, but at a significant cost to their fatigue-stricken bullpen. Scott's four blown saves this season have raised concerns as his ERA now sits at 3.42, a figure below expectations for a reliever with an All-Star pedigree.

Manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior pointed out that Scott's tendency to leave pitches in the middle of the strike zone is detrimental. His increased pitch percentage in the strike zone, currently at a career-high of over 58%, has led to batters making solid contact, with an average exit velocity close to 92 mph. Despite having a notable strikeout-to-walk ratio, Scott's recent performances underscore a troubling trend that the team must rectify quickly.

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.