Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips, both former teammates with the Baltimore Orioles, have dramatically transformed their careers since those early days of struggling to find their footing in Major League Baseball. Now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, they are poised to become key components of a formidable bullpen, with Scott's recent four-year, $72 million signing reflecting his evolution into a top closer. Phillips, meanwhile, has excelled as a reliable reliever for the Dodgers, boasting a 2.28 ERA and 44 saves over his last four seasons.

Both players endured the challenges of a revolving door roster with the Orioles, where they were frequently shuffled between the majors and minors. However, they have harnessed their experiences, leading to significant improvements in performance. Scott, who once struggled with command, has transformed into a shutdown option with a 2.04 ERA and 34 saves in the past two seasons. Their familiarity with each other and the Dodgers' bullpen dynamics promises to bolster their potential for late-game success this season.

Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips, once struggling pitchers for the Baltimore Orioles, have experienced remarkable transformations since their encounters in June 2019. Both faced challenges with inconsistent performances and frequent roster changes. Fast forward to now, they are key components of the Los Angeles Dodgers' formidable bullpen, with Scott securing a four-year, $72 million contract this offseason. Scott boasts a 2.04 ERA and 34 saves from his recent stints, while Phillips has been a reliable asset with a 2.28 ERA and 44 saves over four seasons.

Scott's journey took a significant turn after joining the Miami Marlins, where he improved his command and became their closer. Meanwhile, Phillips has thrived in a similar role with the Dodgers. With the Dodgers’ flexible approach to late-inning situations, both are poised for pivotal contributions in the upcoming season, illustrating the resilience and growth they’ve achieved from their early days in Baltimore.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have restructured their roster for the 2025 season, following a successful World Series run, but face challenges with injuries plaguing their pitching staff. Michael Kopech, acquired from the Chicago White Sox, is now at risk of starting the 2024 season on the injured list due to lingering elbow inflammation.

Despite being productive in the postseason and pivotal in the Dodgers' championship journey, Kopech's offseason progress has been slowed by health issues in his family. As he remains uncertain about his readiness for Opening Day, the Dodgers must navigate these setbacks, particularly with Evan Phillips also recovering from a rotator cuff injury.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant addition to their bullpen, signing Kirby Yates, the former Texas Rangers closer, to a one-year, $13 million deal with an extra $1 million in performance incentives. This acquisition comes as the Dodgers ramp up their offseason efforts, bringing their payroll to an unprecedented $379 million, which would set an MLB record.

Yates, coming off a stellar season with a 1.17 ERA, joins a crowded Dodgers bullpen that already includes Tanner Scott and Blake Treinen. Despite having a strong relief core, the Dodgers are expected to make further adjustments to their roster as they navigate the complexities of roster management, especially considering the injuries and options available for their relievers.

Devin Williams, the standout closer for the Milwaukee Brewers, was expected to be traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers but ended up with the New York Yankees instead. Williams expressed surprise at the trade, stating he had anticipated moving to L.A.

With Williams off the market, the Dodgers are now looking at other options to strengthen their bullpen, including free agents Tanner Scott, Paul Sewald, and Kenley Jansen. Despite having solid relievers, the Dodgers are keen on adding a closer with experience.