Red Sox may have outbid Dodgers for $72 million All-Star Tanner Scott: report

The Boston Red Sox can’t catch a break in free agency.

Boston has faced criticism in recent seasons for its unwillingness to spend heavily on coveted free agents. But on Sunday they may have tried to spend some of their money and were shot down.

According to multiple reports, including MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, All-Star left-hander Tanner Scott signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

Scott has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the past two seasons, with a 2.04 ERA in 150 innings since the start of 2023. And it appears the Red Sox desperately wanted him.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Red Sox offered Scott more years than the Dodgers, and at a higher average annual value. A quick calculation would reveal that the Red Sox offered over $90 million for the left-hander, and he still turned it down.

However, WEEI’s Rob Bradford reported on X that Nightengale’s statement was inaccurate, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.

The details of the conversations between Scott and the teams that sought him may never be fully known, but the only fact that matters is this: The left-hander will pitch for the Dodgers next season, and the Red Sox always need him still help in their bullpen.

Boston has limited options left and must act quickly and decisively. Kirby Yates, Carlos Estévez and David Robertson are just a few of the names that could make sense for the Red Sox to fill their bullpen needs.

If the Red Sox were willing to spend anything close to what the Dodgers gave Scott, let alone more, then they should have no problem raising the funds necessary to lure a top player to Boston. The question, of course, is whether any top player will choose to sign with them.

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