The Los Angeles Dodgers are confronting a critical challenge as they seek stability in their bullpen, focusing on the closer role with Tanner Scott facing ongoing difficulties. Despite securing Scott on a four-year, $72 million deal, his uneven performance this season has led the team to consider a high-profile trade to bolster their late-inning pitching options.
Scott, who previously impressed as a dependable closer with the Miami Marlins and later the San Diego Padres, has seen a notable drop in consistency. After a strong season with 22 saves and a 1.75 ERA in the Padres uniform, his current numbers show a rise in ERA to 3.86, alongside six blown saves that have raised alarm within the Dodgers’ camp. Although he remains the team leader with 18 saves, his unpredictability in critical moments has created doubts about his reliability.
Manager Dave Roberts has attempted to leverage Scott’s versatility by deploying him in various high-pressure situations beyond just closing games. However, as the postseason approaches, the Dodgers are clearly seeking a more dependable solution to secure victories late in games.
Trade Talks Heat Up Around Elite Closer Emmanuel Clase
With the trade deadline near, the Dodgers are exploring significant move possibilities, particularly eyeing Cleveland Guardians’ closer Emmanuel Clase. Clase has built a reputation as one of the game’s most dominant relievers, earning three All-Star honors over the last three years. Last season, he recorded an extraordinary 0.61 ERA and 47 saves, and he continues to perform strongly with 19 saves and a 3.12 ERA in the current campaign.
Speculation centers on the Guardians’ interest in Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages, a promising young player making an impact in just his second season. Pages boasts a .283/.323/.484 slash line and has hit 17 home runs in 90 games, offering significant offensive production. Trading Pages would mark a considerable shake-up for the Dodgers’ lineup, although they may feel confident in internal depth or alternatives to offset the loss, particularly if it secures Clase’s elite bullpen presence.
Potential Impact of Acquiring Emmanuel Clase on Dodgers’ Bullpen
Should the Dodgers finalize a deal for Clase, it could dramatically strengthen their bullpen by pairing him with Tanner Scott in a dual setup role. Clase’s dominant performance since May, featuring a sterling 1.33 ERA, suggests he could serve as a shutdown closer, allowing Scott to take on more flexible high-leverage innings. This bullpen configuration would enhance Los Angeles’ chances in close games and high-stakes postseason scenarios.
However, trading Andy Pages introduces strategic questions for the Dodgers. While players like Hyeseong Kim and Tommy Edman might fill regular lineup positions, the team has hesitated to depend heavily on these options, especially given the absence of Michael Conforto. Such decisions reflect the careful balancing act the Dodgers must perform between immediate bullpen improvements and maintaining offensive firepower.
A Strategic Crossroads for the Dodgers’ Season and Beyond
As the Dodgers weigh the possibility of trading for Emmanuel Clase, they face a defining moment that will influence their 2024 campaign and longer-term future. Securing Clase could resolve the pressing closer instability, reinforcing their postseason prospects. At the same time, parting with Andy Pages presents a tangible risk in offensive depth and player development.
This delicate crossroads highlights the tension between pursuing immediate success and preserving roster potential. The Dodgers’ management is tasked with navigating this pivotal trade deadline, where the outcome could shape not only the remainder of this season but also the franchise’s direction in the coming years. For a team aiming for championship glory, the decisions made now carry immense weight in their overall strategy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast does Tanner Scott throw?
A. Tanner Scott has thrown 7,530 pitches tracked by the PITCHf/x system from 2016 to 2025. These include MLB Regular Season, World Baseball Classic, and Spring Training games. In 2025, he mainly used his Fourseam Fastball averaging 96 mph and a Slider at 88 mph.
Q. What is Tanner Scott’s walk rate?
A. However, Scott cannot perform well if he continues to have a walk rate of 6.9 per nine innings in his career.
Q. Is Tanner Scott a closer?
A. Tanner Scott took on the role of closer for the Marlins in 2022, a team that lost 93 games. This was his first experience finishing games, despite having the skills of a closer before. Though his performance was improving, he achieved this success while playing for teams that weren’t winning very often.
Q. Was Tanner Scott a closer?
A. While Tanner Scott was with the Orioles, the team usually ended up in last place. In 2022, he became the closer for the Marlins, who lost 93 games. This was his first time handling the closing role consistently, even though he had shown potential before.