While plenty of attention is being given to teams in search of starting pitching help at this year’s MLB trade deadline, the Miami Marlins have arguably the most coveted closer available in Tanner Scott.
He drew plenty of interest last year as well but could now be on the move, given the Marlins’ early trade activity. The team has already parted with Jazz Chisholm Jr. and A.J. Puk, and Scott is due to become a free agent after the 2024 season.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, a potential Scott trade is the subject of interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners:
The Phillies, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Mariners are thought to be vying for Scott, as well.
While the Phillies were mentioned as having interest in Scott, they made a splash Saturday by acquiring closer Carlos Estévez from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for pitching prospects George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks addressed their bullpen by trading for Puk. They conceivably could further bolster the group by acquiring Scott as well.
Scott has walked nearly 15% of hitters faced, which is up from his mark of just below 8% last year. However, Scott’s struggles with free passes is closer to his career 13% walk rate.
Scott has offset the high number of walks by striking out 28.8% of hitters faced and limiting the home run ball at an elite rate of just 0.40 per nine innings. That has led to a 1.18 ERA in 45.2 innings pitched this season.
Should Dodgers trade for Tanner Scott?
With the Dodgers’ bullpen taking on a significant workload of late and recent struggles by Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia, relief help could be a greater need than the Dodgers anticipated. However, the starting rotation and outfield are areas of greater concern.
Despite the boost that Scott would provide, the more likely scenario for the Dodgers may be acquiring a middling relief pitcher who they believe could see improvement with some adjustments.
It’s a path the Dodgers have taken in the past, and generally to success.
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