As the 2025 MLB season approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to solidify their roster for another potential playoff run. While the team has been consistently competitive over the past decade, their bullpen has often been a point of contention. This year, the Dodgers have made significant moves to address their pitching depth, notably acquiring two experienced relievers: Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. Both have the potential to make an immediate impact, but their arrivals signal a tough decision ahead for the team. With the addition of Scott and Yates, the Dodgers will have to make a difficult choice—sacrificing someone from their already crowded bullpen.
The question now is not whether Scott and Yates will be valuable additions, but which current bullpen arms will be at risk of losing their spots. The Dodgers have been no strangers to managing their pitching depth effectively, but with so many viable options in the bullpen, a tough decision looms. Let’s break down the situation and assess who might be on the chopping block.
### The Dodgers’ Bullpen Picture Before Scott and Yates
Before the arrivals of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, the Dodgers bullpen was already filled with promising arms. Manager Dave Roberts had a host of options, from reliable veterans to young, high-upside pitchers. Key players like Evan Phillips, Caleb Ferguson, and Brusdar Graterol had solidified their roles as core pieces of the relief corps. Meanwhile, others such as Yency Almonte and Victor González provided depth and flexibility for the team, with some promising arms in the minors ready for a shot at the big leagues.
The challenge for the Dodgers is that, in the modern MLB, a team’s bullpen needs to be deep, versatile, and ready to handle various situations in high-leverage moments. Depth, while crucial, can also lead to difficult decisions, as it’s not always possible to keep everyone who deserves a spot. Enter Scott and Yates—two experienced relievers who could push the bullpen to new heights but also add to the logjam.
### Tanner Scott: A Power Lefty With High Upside
Tanner Scott’s acquisition adds an intriguing layer to the Dodgers bullpen. The 28-year-old left-handed pitcher brings a high-velocity fastball, typically touching the upper 90s, and a devastating slider that can generate strikeouts in bunches. Scott has the potential to become a dominant force in late innings, especially against left-handed hitters, where he has traditionally excelled. Last season, he posted a 3.29 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 65.2 innings for the Miami Marlins, making him one of the most intriguing bullpen arms available in free agency.
Scott’s value lies in his ability to shut down opposing hitters when it matters most. His electric stuff makes him a candidate for high-leverage situations, and the Dodgers, who have historically relied on left-handed relievers like Ferguson and González in key moments, will likely slot Scott into a similar role. However, this creates a bit of a bottleneck in the bullpen, especially since other pitchers, like Ferguson, have proven themselves in big spots.
Scott’s arrival likely forces a shift in roles for the current left-handed relievers on the roster, as he may demand a larger share of the high-leverage workload.
### Kirby Yates: A Veteran Who Could Be a Game-Changer
Kirby Yates, 37, is a name that commands respect, not just for his longevity but also for his past success. Once one of the premier closers in the MLB with the San Diego Padres, Yates has battled injuries in recent years, including a Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for much of 2022. However, when healthy, Yates is an absolute weapon. His splitter, which made him so successful in his prime, is still a plus pitch, and if he can regain some of his former dominance, he will be an invaluable asset to the Dodgers bullpen.
In 2019, Yates saved 41 games with a 1.19 ERA and struck out 101 batters in 60.2 innings. Even though his age and injury history raise questions, the Dodgers are betting that Yates can provide stability and veteran leadership in the late innings. With his experience as a closer and setup man, he can serve as a crucial piece in any late-game situation. His signing means the Dodgers are likely looking for a more established veteran presence in the high-leverage situations, potentially even as a setup man to Evan Phillips, or possibly as a closer if the need arises.
However, this once again raises the question of which pitchers currently in the bullpen will lose their role, as Yates’ addition likely pushes out a pitcher from the mix.
### The Logjam: Who is Most Likely to Lose Their Spot?
With both Scott and Yates added to the bullpen, the Dodgers will need to trim their roster and make a decision on who stays and who goes. Let’s analyze the likely candidates for the axe.
#### 1. **Yency Almonte**
Almonte has had flashes of brilliance since joining the Dodgers, but his consistency has been a concern. His fastball velocity is respectable, and his slider can generate strikeouts, but he has struggled at times with control and command, particularly against tough right-handed hitters. Almonte also doesn’t have the same high-leverage reputation that Scott and Yates bring to the table. Given his inconsistent performance in 2024, it’s plausible that he could be the first to be sacrificed, especially if the Dodgers decide they need to prioritize high-ceiling relievers for key spots in the bullpen.
#### 2. **Victor González**
While González has been a dependable left-hander for the Dodgers in the past, his struggles with consistency, especially in high-pressure situations, may cost him his spot. Scott’s arrival would likely push him down the pecking order, and his ability to perform against both left- and right-handed hitters will be key in deciding his fate. If González doesn’t impress early in the season, he could be sent to Triple-A or traded to free up space for the newcomers.
#### 3. **Brewster Graterol**
Graterol is another player whose role could be in jeopardy. While the hard-throwing right-hander has electric stuff, he has yet to become the consistent, lockdown reliever that the Dodgers had hoped for when they acquired him. He’s still a valuable arm, but with the depth now in the bullpen, he could be squeezed out if the Dodgers prefer to give Yates or Scott more high-leverage innings. His future could depend on his ability to improve his control and generate more strikeouts in spring training.
#### 4. **Shelby Miller**
Shelby Miller has had a renaissance in his second stint with the Dodgers, posting a solid ERA and filling various roles in the bullpen. However, the addition of Scott and Yates could force him into a numbers game. Miller’s ability to handle multiple roles gives him some flexibility, but the Dodgers may prefer to keep a younger, more explosive arm or a veteran with more closing experience like Yates.
#### 5. **Andrew Heaney (As Reliever)**
While Andrew Heaney is primarily known as a starter, the Dodgers have used him as a reliever in certain situations. The addition of Scott and Yates could push him out of the bullpen mix entirely, especially as he’ll likely focus on starting roles for the 2025 season. If the Dodgers believe they need to consolidate their bullpen into specialists for late-inning situations, Heaney could be the odd man out.
### Conclusion: A Tough Call Ahead for the Dodgers
As the Dodgers’ bullpen gets a significant boost with the arrivals of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, the team faces the inevitable challenge of making tough decisions about roster spots. The depth is undeniably a good problem to have, but the competition for high-leverage roles will be fierce. With several relievers on the bubble, the Dodgers will need to assess each player’s consistency, versatility, and potential for growth. Whether through trade, demotion, or a redefined role, sacrifices will have to be made, and the Dodgers will need to make the best decision for their postseason aspirations.
Ultimately, Scott and Yates represent critical additions to a bullpen that was already loaded with potential. Their presence elevates the Dodgers’ chances of competing for a World Series title, but it also underscores the need for difficult, yet necessary, roster decisions in the coming months. The Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff will have their hands full, but this depth should provide them with the flexibility and firepower they need to make another championship run.