Any team that Shohei Ohtani plays for is Shohei Ohtani’s team–even the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani got $700 million last winter for a couple reasons: to be the best player in the world and to win championships. He won Most Valuable Player honors in year one and the Dodgers won the World Series, so it’s safe to say things are going well.
The Dodgers won’t be satisfied with one championship, however. They’re in pursuit of a dynasty, and their offseason to this point has been all about loading up the roster in an effort to go back-to-back.
If the Dodgers want to sign one more bullpen arm this winter, former San Diego Padres star Tanner Scott is just sitting there for them. Scott, who hopes to sign one of the largest free-agent contracts ever for a reliever this winter, also has owned Ohtani in his career.
On Thursday, Zachary Rotman of FanSided urged the Dodgers to sign Scott to bolster their bullpen–but also to make Ohtani’s life just a little bit easier.
“As great of a hitter as Ohtani is, there is one pitcher he has not solved — Tanner Scott,” Rotman wrote. “Ohtani got to face Scott four times in Los Angeles’ NLDS meeting with the San Diego Padres but struck out all four times.”
“Los Angeles’ deep bullpen is one of the biggest reasons why they were able to win the World Series. Scott joining this unit which already consists of Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Alex Vesia would be unfair, and yet, it’s absolutely plausible to predict that outcome.”
In total, Ohtani is 1-for-13 with a walk against Scott. But it’s not only Ohtani who struggles against the 30-year-old lefty. He’s got a 2.04 ERA with 188 strikeouts in 150 innings since the start of last season.
Tim Britton of The Athletic projects Scott for a four-year, $64 million deal, but Sean McAdam of MassLive reported earlier this week that he wants $80 million. Perhaps if the Dodgers can split the difference, they can land their new relief ace.
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