BREAKING: Yankees Named Potential Trade Fit for Marlins Reliever
The New York Yankees have kicked off the season impressively with a 16-8 record, even though they haven’t reached full strength yet. Their pitching staff has been particularly influential in their success. In an effort to further bolster their already formidable pitching roster, the Yankees have been identified as a potential destination for Miami Marlins reliever Tanner Scott, as suggested by Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly.
“Scott would be a logical fit for several contending teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees,” Kelly noted.
Scott is anticipated to be among the Marlins players available for trade. With the Marlins struggling at 6-19, it’s expected that they will become sellers come July, with Kelly metaphorically stating that “fish will be on the menu.”
Scott Could Bolster an Already Strong Yankees Bullpen
The Yankees currently hold the fourth position in the majors with a team ERA of 2.95, an improvement from their tenth rank in 2023 when they had a 3.97 ERA. Notably, in 2023, their bullpen boasted the best ERA in MLB at 3.34. Presently, their bullpen has posted a 2.98 ERA through 24 games, placing them seventh in the league.
Scott, having converted four of his five save opportunities in 2024, is likely to fill a setup role for the Yankees, despite his 3.38 ERA over 10.2 innings pitched. In 2023, he played 74 games for the Marlins, recording a stellar 2.31 ERA and striking out 104 batters.
Tanner Scott is anticipated to be highly sought after in the reliever market, especially if other options like Helsley, Emmanuel Clase, and David Bednar are not available. While the Red Sox may consider trading Kenley Jansen, Scott could be a preferable choice for teams seeking a setup pitcher rather than a closer.
Although the Yankees already have Clay Holmes as their closer, who has successfully converted nine out of ten save opportunities without conceding an earned run, Scott would provide manager Aaron Boone with another viable option to bridge the gap between the starting pitcher and Holmes.
Yankees Pitching Thriving Despite Injuries
Scott would add experience to the Yankees’ already formidable pitching roster. However, despite the team’s overall success, they have notable absentees, particularly reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole.
Before the season opener, Cole expressed optimism about his recovery, aiming for a return around June 1, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Cole’s prolonged absence has increased pressure on both the starting rotation and bullpen to shoulder the workload, especially considering Cole’s league-leading 209 innings pitched in the previous season.
The bullpen has also been affected by injuries to key players such as Nick Burdi, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loáisiga, who is set to miss the remainder of the season due to a UCL tear, according to MLB.com.
Given Scott’s contract situation and the struggles of the Marlins, he emerges as an attractive trade prospect. At 29 years old, the left-handed pitcher could offer significant value to any playoff contender seeking to reinforce their bullpen for a deep postseason run.
Considering Scott’s impending free agency, it’s unlikely that the Marlins will receive a substantial return in a trade involving him, as noted by Kelly.