The Dodgers have made a significant move by signing Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract, pushing Tanner Scott out of the closer role as the new season approaches.
Scott, who inked a four-year deal before the 2025 season, didn't quite meet expectations in his debut year with the Dodgers. His performance was marked by a 4.74 ERA and a 4.70 FIP over 57 innings, numbers that certainly left room for improvement.
A deeper dive into Scott's 2025 season reveals some notable shifts in his pitching dynamics. During his time with the Marlins, Scott was known for inducing soft grounders, but last year saw a stark contrast. Among 229 pitchers from 2024 to 2025, Scott experienced one of the most significant spikes in hard-hit rate (+14.8) and exit velocity (+6.5 mph), coupled with a sharp decline in groundball rate (-12.3%).
Now stepping into the setup role for Díaz, Scott faces the challenge of rediscovering his previous form. Despite the rough year, there were glimmers of hope.
His walk rate dropped to a career-low 7.2%, a 5% improvement from the previous season. While his strikeout numbers have dipped recently, his Whiff% and Chase% remain top-tier.
The key for Scott will be managing the contact he allows.
Turning to Roki Sasaki, his rookie year didn't unfold as planned. The 23-year-old's season was cut short after just eight starts due to a right shoulder injury. In those outings, Sasaki struggled, tallying 24 strikeouts against 22 walks over 34.1 innings, resulting in a 4.72 ERA and 6.19 FIP.
However, Sasaki made a timely return from injury to bolster the bullpen during the postseason. Across nine appearances, he posted an impressive 0.84 ERA, though his 3.70 FIP suggested underlying issues. Nevertheless, his efforts were crucial in securing key victories for LA on their way to another World Series title.
As things stand, Sasaki is set to begin the season at the back end of the Dodgers' rotation. However, that spot may be in jeopardy once Blake Snell returns from the injured list.