Tanner Scott, the left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has candidly spoken about his difficult first year under a four-year, $72 million contract. Scott’s struggles during the 2025 season contributed to him losing his role as the team’s closer. He admitted he wishes he could
“wash it, flush it like a toilet, and just let it be,”
highlighting his frustration with the performance that did not meet expectations.
Performance Issues and Role Change Within the Team
Scott ended the 2025 regular season with a 1-4 record and a 4.74 ERA, alongside a career-high 9.47 strikeouts per nine innings, which indicated inconsistency on the mound. Following these struggles, the Dodgers brought in veteran closer Edwin Diaz during the off-season, signaling a shift in Scott’s role to that of a set-up man for the upcoming 2026 season.
Mental Struggles Impacting Scott’s Game and Team Dynamics
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared concerns about Scott’s mental state during the season, recalling a troubling quote made by Scott after a blown save in Baltimore last September when the pitcher said, “baseball hates me.” Roberts commented,
“You never like your players saying something like that. It just speaks to where you’re at mentally. And he was in a very negative place. And so I do think that if he had to do that one over again, he would take that one back. Because that’s just not a good way to look at things. It’s a little self-fulfilling.”
Dodgers Aim for a Fresh Start in Spring Training
As the Dodgers prepare for the 2026 season, they hope that Scott’s mindset will improve during spring training, paving the way for a more productive year. After a difficult season marred by setbacks and shifts in his role, a positive turnaround could be crucial, both for Scott’s career and the Dodgers’ bullpen strength as they seek to defend their World Series title.
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