Yankees conned Dodgers into Tanner Scott overpay (but it'll still haunt them next winter)

The Los Angeles Dodgers lavished a top reliever with a four-year, $72 million deal on Sunday morning, continuing the narrative that they've broken baseball with a flourish. Imagine spending all that money and not getting the game's top closer?

For now, that would be Devin Williams, MLB Network's No. 1 "reliever right now" and the New York Yankees' closer, following a mid-December trade. Emphasis on "for now," though.

Closers are historically volatile, though Williams' one-of-a-kind changeup carries with it a longer track record of success than Tanner Scott's no-idea-where-it's-going fastball. If $72 million becomes the going rate for powerhouse relievers who could walk the moon every sixth appearance, than whoever has to pay more reliably dominant arms like Williams is screwed.

...oh. Right. That's us. The Yankees outfoxed the Dodgers for the Brewers' closer back in December, and Williams went as far as saying he believed he'd be dealt to LA in his intro press conference in New York. The Yankees ended up with the brighter star at the lesser cost here, but after Scott got paid, it seems fair to say fans should treat this as a one-year rental rather than a precursor to an extension.

Williams valuing himself higher than the Yankees value relievers in general already seemed like the safest bet for next offseason long before Scott got his money. Now, it feels like a mortal lock.

Yankees forced Dodgers' hand with Tanner Scott signing, but LA will likely get Devin Williams payback

The Yankees emerged victorious in 2025, but may be scrambling once again next offseason. If only "goading the Dodgers into making a painful overpay" was a real thing. Alas, they feel no pain. They'll probably add Nolan Arenado, too. Their balance sheet is balled up in the trash can and scribbled on. Whatever the money is, they'll pay it. Must be nice.

Williams did state, at the time of the trade, that he'd be open to an extension if it were "right for both sides". There's a possibility the two could find common ground, and their relationship started off on the right foot, with a calm handoff before arbitration filings.

Still, it's less likely today than it was in December, and it wasn't all that likely then. Even if you get in the Dodgers' way, their checkbook eventually barks back.