Kirby Yates Faces Tough Competition as Dodgers’ Primary Closer, Tanner Scott Takes the Lead for 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially named Tanner Scott as their primary closer for the 2025 season, marking an important shift in their bullpen strategy. After adding Scott and seasoned closer Kirby Yates through free agency, the Dodgers’ late-inning lineup has been significantly bolstered. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Scott will be the team’s main go-to for save opportunities early in the season, based on his stellar performances over the last two years.

Scott’s Impressive Statistics: Dominance on Display

Tanner Scott’s recent performance is one of the key reasons behind his appointment. Over the past two seasons, Scott has been nothing short of dominant, with an impressive 2.04 ERA and 34 saves in 40 chances. His ability to control the late innings has made him a valuable asset for the Dodgers. In contrast, Kirby Yates, while a veteran closer with extensive experience, will likely serve as a secondary option. Yates had a stellar 2023 season, posting a 1.17 ERA and recording 33 saves with the Texas Rangers, making him a potent threat in high-leverage situations.

Strategic Flexibility: Dodgers’ Fluid Closer Approach

While Scott will begin the season as the primary closer, the Dodgers are known for their flexible bullpen strategy. Manager Dave Roberts has a history of rotating pitchers in late-game roles, allowing the team to adapt to matchups and in-game situations. This means that, although Scott may get the majority of the saves, Yates, along with other bullpen stalwarts like Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips, could see save opportunities as the season progresses. The Dodgers’ ability to adapt their closer approach ensures they have multiple options to finish games with the desired outcome.

The Numbers That Tell the Story: A Dominant Duo

When evaluating the Dodgers’ bullpen, the stats paint a clear picture of why this duo has the potential to dominate the 2025 season. Tanner Scott’s 2.04 ERA and 34 saves in two years highlight his consistency and reliability in high-stress situations. Meanwhile, Kirby Yates’ 1.17 ERA and 33 saves in 2023 with the Rangers make him a reliable second option. Both players are at the top of their game, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive bullpen situation for the Dodgers.

What’s Next: Dodgers’ Ever-Changing Closer Landscape

As the 2025 season gets underway, it’s clear that Scott’s role as the primary closer is just the beginning of what could be a dynamic closing situation. While Tanner Scott is expected to take the majority of save opportunities early on, the Dodgers’ bullpen depth, including Treinen and Phillips, offers additional flexibility. With the team’s history of using multiple pitchers for the closing role, it’s likely that we’ll see Yates and other pitchers occasionally step in for save situations based on the team’s needs and matchups.

The Bottom Line: Dynamic, Ever-Evolving Closer Strategy

The Dodgers are setting themselves up for a season full of late-game drama with a closer situation that may evolve as the season progresses. Tanner Scott will start the year as the primary closer, but the team’s emphasis on fluidity and versatility will ensure Yates and others remain key contributors in save situations. Fans should brace themselves for a high-stakes, unpredictable bullpen throughout the season, one where every save opportunity could bring something new and exciting.