JUST IN: Yankees Trade Proposal Sends Coveted $5 Million Shutdown Reliever to NY

The New York Yankees have lost their lead in the American League East to the Baltimore Orioles. Despite a recent slump, manager Aaron Boone’s team holds a 53-32 record and is well-positioned for a postseason return. General manager Brian Cashman might consider bolstering the bullpen before the July 30 trade deadline by acquiring Miami Marlins reliever Tanner Scott.

Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty of The Athletic proposed six potential trades to address the Yankees’ weaknesses. Former general manager Jim Bowden provided his analysis of each proposal. Here’s the trade that would bring Scott to the Yankees:

Yankees receive: left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott
Marlins receive: shortstop Oswald Peraza and utility player Oswaldo Cabrera

“The Marlins should jump at this offer because I don’t think they’re going to do any better elsewhere. Peraza would become the Marlins’ starting shortstop and Cabrera their super-utility player,” Bowden said. “Both of them are blocked by better players on the Yankees, which makes them expendable. Peraza still has significant upside despite not showing it in the Bronx.”

What Scott Could Bring to the Yankees’ Bullpen

New York’s bullpen has been fairly average in 2024, with a collective 3.73 ERA that ranks 14th in MLB and a 1.4 fWAR placing them 17th, according to FanGraphs. Closer Clay Holmes has been a standout in his final year before free agency, boasting a 2.65 ERA over 34 innings. Still, adding another high-leverage reliever with late-inning experience for the stretch run could be beneficial.

Tanner Scott could be the solution for the Yankees. Since joining the Marlins in 2022, his performance has steadily improved. He posted a 4.31 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 2022, a 2.31 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 2023, and a 1.54 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP through his first 35 innings in 2024.

The 29-year-old lefty wouldn’t be a significant financial burden either. Scott is earning $5.7 million this season, according to Spotrac, and will be a free agent this November. Given that team owner Hal Steinbrenner may be reluctant to add substantial salary, this could be an ideal match for the Yankees.

Plenty of Teams Are Interested in Scott

The Marlins indicated they would be sellers at the trade deadline on May 4 when they traded infielder Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres. With a 30-53 record heading into June 30 games, it’s unlikely their stance has changed much.

Miami appears to be a motivated seller with Tanner Scott as an attractive pitcher available for teams to bid on. It’s unsurprising that the market for Scott is expected to be competitive. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the reliever is linked to the Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers, in addition to the Yankees, as of a June 27 report. Heyman also mentioned that “many others” are believed to be interested in acquiring him.

If Scott is at the top of the Yankees’ trade deadline wishlist, they’ll face stiff competition from several other potential suitors to secure a deal.