With a widespread need for pitching across the sport, some teams with impact starters and relievers have been capitalized on the market at this year’s MLB trade deadline. The Miami Marlins already parted with A.J. Puk and could next trade Tanner Scott before the 3 p.m. PT deadline.
Scott is arguably the best closer available on the trade market, and has drawn reported interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets, among others. That’s despite being on track to become a free agent after the 2024 season.
While the Dodgers have seemingly been focused on addressing their starting rotation before the trade deadline, they already added to the bullpen by acquiring Michael Kopech as part of a three-team trade with the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Dodgers are believed to remain in pursuit of Garrett Crochet as well, while also maintaining interest in Scott, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
Elite closer Tanner Scott is the biggest of the Fish (Orioles, Yankees, Dodgers, others) out there
But Marlins continue to listen on Bell, Brazoban, Chargois, De La Cruz, Rogers and of course Scott
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2024
While Scott earned a first career All-Star Game selection this season, the year has not been without some concerns. He has walked nearly 15% of batters faced, which is up from a mark of just below 8% last season. Scott’s struggles with free passes is in line with a 13% walk rate.
Scott has offset the high number of walks by striking out 28.8% of hitters and preventing home runs at an elite rate of just 0.40 per nine innings. That has helped lead to a 1.18 ERA in 45.2 innings pitched this season.
Should Dodgers trade for Tanner Scott?
The closer role didn’t figure to be a need for the Dodgers at the trade deadline, but Evan Phillips has struggled of late. That creates an opportunity for Scott to join the Dodgers bullpen.
However, the expected cost to trade for the 30-year-old may be too prohibitive for a rental.
The Philadelphia Phillies were mentioned as having interest in Scott prior to making a splash over the weekend by acquiring fellow closer Carlos Estévez from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for notable pitching prospects George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri.
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