Tanner Scott was a top pitching target for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he was acquired by their division rivals, the San Diego Padres, on Tuesday.
The Padres had to forfeit a sizable sum in order to get Scott and fellow player Bryan Hoeing. Right-hander Jason Adam was acquired over the weekend from the Tampa Bay Rays, adding two more pitchers to the roster.
In return for left-handed pitcher Robby Snelling, right-handed pitcher Dylan Lesko, right-handed pitcher Adam Mazur, infielder Graham Pauley, outfielder Homer Bush Jr., infielder Jay Beshears, and catcher J.D. Gonzalez, the Padres gave up eight prospects in the two transactions.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers were among the clubs who came very close to signing Scott, one of MLB’s top closers.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Scott was apparently also viewed favorably by the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies in addition to the Dodgers.
This season, the 30-year-old left-hander was named to his first All-Star team. Through 44 games in 2024, he is 6-5 with a 1.18 ERA, 53 strikeouts, and 18 saves. With Scott joining incumbent closer Robert Suarez at the back end of a strengthened bullpen, the Padres suddenly have two of MLB’s top closers.
Because Scott is a left-hander and Suarez is a right-hander, San Diego may select their closer depending on who is expected to bat first for their opponent, which is what makes their combination so effective.
The Dodgers made a few moves before of the deadline, even if they were unable to sign Scott. Before the deadline, they added center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, and reliever Michael Kopech. Kiermaier and Flaherty were acquired by the Dodgers in the final moments prior to Tuesday’s deadline.
For the Dodgers, adding former Detroit Tigers starting Flaherty is especially crucial, given that Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox was not dealt before the deadline.
The Dodgers acquire a 7–5 starter with a 2.95 ERA and 133 strikeouts in Flaherty. By the end of the season, Flaherty will have strengthened the Dodgers starting rotation along with Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The trade deadline intensified a fierce competition between two rivals, with the Padres coming within 5.5 games of the National League West lead with their victory on Tuesday. A few thrilling months are in store as the postseason approaches.
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