The Los Angeles Dodgers officially brought back right-handed reliever Blake Treinen this week on a two-year, $22 million deal. But that doesn’t mean they’re done upgrading the bullpen.
According to The Athletic, the Dodgers are still looking to add at least one reliever, and are “looking at the top of top of that market.” Two names that were mentioned are free agent left-hander Tanner Scott and Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher Devin Williams.
On Nov. 19, Dodgers Nation proposed the Dodgers trade for Williams in a deal with the Brewers. That package included infielder Gavin Lux along with two top pitching prospects.
Williams, 30, is on an expiring contract in 2025. The two-time All-Star had a 1.25 ERA across 21.2 innings last year, and hasn’t had an ERA above 2.00 since 2022, when he had 2.50 ERA.
In 2022, Williams had a 1.93 ERA across 60.2 innings with 96 strikeouts. In 2023, he had a 1.53 ERA across 58.2 innings with 87 strikeouts.
Williams is one the best relievers in baseball, and would fortify an L.A. bullpen that brought back Treinen and has Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Alex Vesia among the returning pieces.
If the Dodgers want to add a top reliever without losing players, though, Scott would be the best option.
The Dodgers were interested in Scott a few months ago at the trade deadline before the San Diego Padres swooped in with a massive offer. Now, Scott is a free agent, and it’s unlikely he returns to San Diego as they look to keep their payroll down.
The Dodgers could benefit from another left-handed reliever, especially one with the swing-and-miss stuff that Scott possesses. Across 72 appearances with Padres and Miami Marlins in 2024, Scott had a 1.75 ERA with 84 strikeouts. He had a 2.31 ERA with a career-high 104 strikeouts in 2023.
