"4 years for $66,000,000 wasn't enough" - MLB insider claims Tanner Scott rejected NL Central team before $72,000,000 Dodgers move

The Chicago Cubs were among the teams interested in reliever Tanner Scott, who eventually signed with the LA Dodgers. The Cubs, who acquired Kyle Tucker and traded away Cody Bellinger earlier this offseason, are striving to take hold of the NL Central, which the Milwaukee Brewers won last year.

According to MLB insider Robert Murray, the Cubs were aggressive in their pursuit, offering a four-year, $66 million deal. But, Scott opted for a $72 million deal with the Dodgers, bolstering the star-studded NL West team.

"Tanner Scott was clearly a priority for the Cubs," Murray said on the "Baseball Insiders" podcast (30:02 onwards). "They went into an uncomfortable range for them in terms of both salary and years for a reliever, which demonstrates just how much they wanted him.

"But their offer of four years for $66 million ultimately wasn’t enough. Scott has now signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that is solidifying its status as perhaps baseball’s best super team."

Scott’s left-handed dominance, combined with his ability to lock down the ninth inning, made him an ideal target for Chicago. Scott had 22 saves between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres last year.

"The Cubs identified Scott as a player who could be a real difference-maker in the back end of their bullpen, giving them a strong, reliable option in the ninth inning—especially after the struggles they faced last year with late-inning blown saves," Murray added.

Robert Murray reveals option for Cubs to pivot after losing Tanner Scott to Dodgers

There's no doubt the Cubs are in dire need of a leverage reliever who could come up clutch for the team in the 2025 season.

Among the options, Robert Murray floated, citing Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma in Chicago, include "Ryan Pressly, Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, Phil Maton, Ryne Stanek and Brooks Raley." They are reportedly considering all these high-profile names.

As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how Chicago responds and whether they can land a top-tier reliever to solidify their bullpen for 2025.