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Elite Southpaw Is Most Coveted Reliever This Offseason

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While the offseason buzz centers on aces and big bats, some of the market’s top bullpen arms are flying under the radar. Yet, for teams looking to fortify their late-game relief corps, one name stands out: Tanner Scott. The 30-year-old left-hander has emerged as one of baseball’s most dominant relievers and is primed to be one of the most coveted arms in free agency.

Elite Southpaw Is Most Coveted Reliever This Offseason

Tanner Scott’s Free Agent Profile

Scott split his stellar 2024 season between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. After earning All-Star honors as the Marlins’ closer in the first half, he was traded to San Diego at the deadline, where he bolstered one of MLB’s top bullpens. Over 72 innings, Scott delivered a 1.75 ERA (252 ERA+), a 9-6 record, 22 saves, and 84 strikeouts. Though he served as an eighth-inning setup man in San Diego, Scott is poised to reclaim a closer role in 2025.

The key to his success? It’s a devastating two-pitch arsenal. Scott pairs a blazing 97 mph fastball with a deadly 88.5 mph slider, which powered his 145 Stuff+ rating in 2024. This mix not only generates swings and misses but also limits hard contact. Opposing hitters mustered a mere .179/.285/.243 line against him, with just three home runs all season. Left-handed batters fared even worse, slashing .132/.224/.191 without a single homer. Also, when it comes to postseason pressure, Scott shines. Across 5 ⅓ playoff innings with the Marlins and Padres, he’s allowed no earned runs and only two hits.

 

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Market Value

While Scott may not command the record-breaking deals earned by Josh Hader or Edwin Díaz, he’s in line for a substantial payday. Spotrac projects a four-year, $65.6 million contract, with an average annual value (AAV) of $16 million. Though slightly below Hader ($19M AAV) and Díaz ($20M AAV), this figure reflects Scott’s status as a premier left-handed closer. If a bidding war breaks out, his deal could easily exceed these projections.

Top Potential Fits

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies showed interest in Scott at the 2024 trade deadline, and now they have another shot at securing him. With Carlos Estévez and All-Star Jeff Hoffman potentially departing in free agency, Scott could become the anchor of a revamped bullpen in Philadelphia.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are reportedly aiming for a splashy offseason, as evidenced by their interest in Juan Soto. With Kenley Jansen now a free agent, adding Scott as a closer would bolster their bullpen and signal a serious commitment to contention in 2025.

New York Yankees

Following a crushing World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees face a pivotal offseason. Re-signing Juan Soto will be their top priority, but they also have other needs. Clay Holmes’ inconsistent 2024 campaign and likely departure leave a glaring hole at closer. Scott’s lights-out repertoire could provide the reliability New York’s bullpen desperately needs.

 

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Los Angeles Dodgers

Padres fans may want to look away. The Dodgers, another team linked to Scott at the trade deadline, remain a potential suitor. With Blake Treinen hitting free agency, Scott would be a perfect fit for the Dodgers, who have both the resources and the desire to keep their bullpen elite. Having witnessed Scott’s dominance firsthand during the National League Division Series against San Diego, Los Angeles could make a strong push to bring the southpaw to Chavez Ravine.

The Last Word

Scott’s electric arm makes him a prime target for any contender looking to solidify the back end of their bullpen. Wherever he lands, one thing is clear: Scott’s ability to dominate on the mound will make him a game-changer for his next team.

Main Photo Credits: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

 

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