REPORT: Yankees Shutdown $5 Million dangerous Trade
The New York Yankees have lost their first-place standing in the American League East to the Baltimore Orioles. Despite a recent slump, Aaron Boone’s team maintains a strong 53-32 record and is well-positioned for a postseason return. There is speculation that General Manager Brian Cashman might bolster 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 hypothetical trades to address the Yankees’ roster issues, with former GM Jim Bowden providing his analysis. One proposal suggests the Yankees receive left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott in exchange for shortstop Oswald Peraza and utility player Oswaldo Cabrera. Bowden commented, “The Marlins should jump at this offer because they won’t get a better deal. Peraza would become their starting shortstop and Cabrera their super-utility player. Both are blocked by better players on the Yankees, making 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 ranking 14th in MLB and a 1.4 fWAR placing them 17th, according to FanGraphs. Closer Clay Holmes has excelled in his final year before free agency, maintaining a 2.65 ERA over 34 innings. However, adding another high-leverage reliever with late-inning experience could be beneficial for the stretch run.
Acquiring Tanner Scott could provide the Yankees with just that. Since joining the Marlins in 2022, Scott’s performance has steadily improved each season. He posted a 4.31 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 2022, improved to a 2.31 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 2023, and has recorded a 1.54 ERA and 1.17 WHIP through his first 35 innings in 2024.
The 29-year-old left-hander also wouldn’t be a significant financial burden. Scott is earning $5.7 million this season and will enter free agency in November, according to Spotrac. Given that Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner may be reluctant to take on much salary to enhance the roster, this could be a sensible move for the team.
Plenty of Teams Are Interested in Scott
The Marlins indicated their intention to sell at the trade deadline on May 4 by trading infielder Luis Arraez to the Padres. With a 30-53 record as of June 30, it’s clear that their position hasn’t changed.
Miami is motivated to sell and has an appealing pitcher in Scott, making him a sought-after asset. It’s no surprise that his market is expected to be competitive. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on June 27 that the left-hander is linked to the Orioles, Phillies, Dodgers, and Yankees, with many other teams reportedly interested in his services.
If Scott is a priority for the Yankees before the trade deadline, they will face considerable competition from other interested teams.