LATEST UPDATE: New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers in 2-team battle for biggest name best reliever that decide the NL pennant

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have claimed the 2024 World Series title, but they’re already focused on a potential repeat in 2025. By re-signing Teoscar Hernández and bringing in Blake Snell, their chances of achieving back-to-back championships have significantly improved.

While the Dodgers are strong favorites to defend their title, they won’t have an easy path. One major challenger is the New York Mets, who pushed Los Angeles to six games in the 2024 NLCS. The Mets bolstered their lineup by outbidding the Dodgers and other teams to sign Juan Soto, adding an MVP-caliber bat to an already potent roster—despite competition from Los Angeles.

Now, another offseason battle could be brewing between these National League rivals. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic (subscription required), the Mets are reportedly pursuing reliever, who has also been heavily linked to the Dodgers.

“The New York Mets’ approach to bolstering their bullpen has differed somewhat from their strategy with starting pitchers. For relievers, they’re targeting the most expensive options available and have engaged (likely via phone or video) with the top free-agent reliever, Tanner Scott, according to league sources.”

Scott is widely regarded as the best reliever on the market, and whichever team lands him could gain a significant edge in any future postseason showdown.

Potential bidding war between Mets and Dodgers could dictate winner of NL Pennant

 

 

Scott may not be the most recognizable name, but he’s undoubtedly one of the top relievers in baseball. This past season, he recorded a stellar 1.75 ERA across 72 appearances and 72 innings with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. Over the last two seasons, he’s ranked third among qualified relievers in appearances (146), fourth in innings pitched (150), fourth in ERA (2.04), and fourth in strikeouts (188). Impressively, he’s one of just two qualified relievers to place in the top four in at least two of those categories.

In October, Scott has elevated his performance even further, allowing only two hits across six postseason appearances and 5.1 innings while striking out eight batters. He faced the Dodgers during the playoffs and didn’t allow a single run in four outings. Notably, in those appearances, he went up against Shohei Ohtani—arguably baseball’s best hitter—and struck him out every time. That kind of dominance alone makes Scott an invaluable asset for teams like the Mets or Dodgers.

For the Mets, adding Scott would create one of the league’s most formidable late-game duos, pairing him with Edwin Díaz. However, the question remains whether New York is willing to offer him the long-term deal he’s likely seeking, especially considering their hesitation with Pete Alonso.

For the Dodgers, Scott would fill the role of the elite closer they’ve been missing. While their bullpen boasts incredible depth, as Mets fans witnessed during the NLCS, none of their relievers reach Scott’s caliber.

Whether or not the Mets land Scott, they’ll still have their hands full with Los Angeles. But securing Scott would give them confidence in closing out games with him and Díaz anchoring the final innings. On the other hand, if the Dodgers acquire Scott, it would make them an even tougher opponent, potentially to the point of feeling insurmountable.

While other teams are expected to join the race for Scott, if it ultimately comes down to New York or Los Angeles, the team that wins the bidding war for his services could very well position themselves as favorites to win the NL Pennant.