Although the Los Angeles Dodgers have a comfortable lead in the National League West and a top-five record in all of baseball, they are expected to be among the active teams at the MLB trade deadline.
With six weeks until the July 30 trade deadline, the Dodgers already are speculated as having interest in addressing the bottom of their lineup. Dodgers hitters who have been penciled in at the Nos. 7 through 9 spots collectively rank among the least productive.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers have received pitching pitching performances and are due to for reinforcements in the form of Bobby Miller, Clayton Kershaw, Ryan Brasier, Joe Kelly, Brusdar Graterol, and potentially Dustin May and Kyle Hurt as well.
The Dodgers nevertheless are among teams with reported interest in a Tanner Scott trade, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
Tanner Scott will go, and is believed to be drawing interest from the Phillies, Orioles, Dodgers and others.
Earlier this month it was reported the Marlins would likely be sellers at the trade deadline. Miami already traded two-time batting champion Luis Arráez to the San Diego Padres in exchange for four prospects.
The Marlins agreed to cover the bulk of Arráez’s remaining salary in order to improve their return in the trade. They conceivably could opt to do so for Scott as well, which may be necessary if the Marlins covet more intriguing talent in a potential deal.
Scott has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the past two seasons as his 2.9 WAR ranks second to only the Cleveland Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase (3.0). However, the left-hander is due to become a free agent after the 2024 season and has experienced some regression this year.
Scott’s 16.8% walk rate is the second-highest mark of his career. It’s been accompanied by a strikeout rate that’s dropped to 26.1%, which is Scott’s second-lowest average. Though, the 29-year-old has managed to reduce his walk rate to 12.1% since May 1.
Heading into the 2024 season, Scott was ranked among the top-10 relief pitchers by MLB Network analysts Mike Petriello, Vince Gennaro and Sarah Langs.
Tanner Scott’s fit in Dodgers bullpen
Even with some of his struggles this season, Scott would give the Dodgers another high-leverage option out of their bullpen. He’s converted eight of 10 save opportunities this season while pitching to a 1.93 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.
Scott being left-handed also is notable being that the Dodgers bullpen lacks in that area. Alex Vesia is the lone truly lefty reliever on the roster, as Ryan Yarbrough is utilized in a swingman role.
But the Dodgers trading for Scott would likely be more of an opportunistic acquisition than out of necessity. Their interest could easily wane if other teams remain involved and thus the Marlins’ asking price increases.
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