MLB Rumors: Dodgers, Braves landing spots for ex-Padres All-Star relief pitcher 

The MLB hot stove continues to heat up at the turn of the calendar. Whilst names such as Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes and Paul Goldschmidt have been scooped up, several All-Stars such as Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman and reliever Tanner Scott have yet to lock into any squad.

In an interview with "MLB Network", insider Jon Morosi shared his thoughts as to where the lefty reliever could find himself at the start of the 2025 season.

"I really thought Tanner Scott would have been signed by now," Morosi said. "Especially how he pitched last year and the way he closed the year out with the San Diego Padres."

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He then shared that a particularly unexpected horse in the Scott sweepstakes is the Atlanta Braves:

"Interestingly, there was one team that we weren't necessarily expecting to be a heavy player in the relief pitcher market — the Atlanta Braves. It was reported by The Athletic that the team is interested in the All-Star reliever."

Morosi further speculated that the LA Dodgers could be the next team to land Scott in an attempt to deny him from coming back to their NL rival San Diego Padres:

"It seems to me that the Los Angeles Dodgers could make one more big-time splash. They can add Scott from their division rival Padres given the latter's financial inflexibility."

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Tanner Scott could be "first domino to fall" in MLB reliever market

Moreover, Jon Morosi shared that Tanner Scott's signing might be the trigger point to which the other teams will take their cue in signing remaining marquee relievers:

"I think Tanner Scott has to be the first significant domino to fall among the available relievers out there. It also shouldn't be forgotten that Jeff Hoffman's name is still out there along with Carlos Estevez, both of which starred for the Philadelphia Phillies."

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Hoffman had a spectacular two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies that started in 2023. The 2024 MLB All-Star was thrust into the closer's role before Estevez's arrival and he didn't disappoint manager Rob Thomson. He posted a 2.17 ERA with a 3-3 record and 10 saves in 68 appearances last season.

Estevez, meanwhile, was traded during the 2024 MLB trade deadline from the LA Angels where he became an All-Star. The Dominican closer recorded six saves in 20 appearances while posting a 2.57 ERA for Philly.