With the trade deadline only two weeks away, the New York Yankees are evaluating their needs, especially aiming to strengthen their bullpen. General Manager Brian Cashman is reportedly interested in acquiring talent from the Miami Marlins, specifically targeting left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott, who recently earned an All-Star nod.
Tanner Scott: A Potential Game-Changer for the Yankees
Tanner Scott has outshined Yankees closer Clay Holmes this season, recording a remarkable 1.34 ERA and 10.04 strikeouts per nine innings. His effectiveness is further demonstrated by his 82.1% left-on-base rate and 48.9% ground ball rate over 40.1 innings. Acquiring Scott could shift Holmes to a setup role while Scott assumes the primary closer responsibilities. As Scott is only under contract through the end of the 2024 season, the Yankees might be able to obtain him without a significant trade sacrifice, viewing him as a rental.
Ken Rosenthal commented on July 6 about the Yankees’ bullpen, stating, “The first thing’s going to be their bullpen. It was really good in the first 6-8 weeks, but it was a little bit of smoke and mirrors. There’s not enough swing-and-miss in that bullpen. We’ve talked about this. So, they, like every other contender, will be targeting relievers.”
Analyzing Scott’s Pitching Arsenal and Impact
Scott ranks among the league’s elite, boasting a 97th-percentile expected batting average of .189 and a 100th-percentile average exit velocity of 82.8 mph. His hard-hit percentage is in the 98th percentile, highlighting his effective use of a four-seam fastball and slider combination. His fastball, averaging 96.7 mph, holds opponents to a .099 batting average with a 26.3% whiff rate. His slider is equally impressive, with a .175 batting average against, a 42.5% whiff rate, and a 27.8% put-away rate.
Scott’s pitches show 14% more vertical movement than average, giving them a riding motion that challenges hitters. As a left-hander, his arsenal is particularly valuable, featuring 70% more horizontal movement on his slider compared to the average — a remarkable 7.3 inches of break. His slider has a gyro shape with 36.4 inches of vertical drop, and that additional horizontal movement enhances its effectiveness.
Potential Challenges and Strategic Considerations
While Scott’s talent is evident, his walk rate of 5.58 batters per nine innings is concerning, particularly in high-stress scenarios. If he can refine his control, he could become a valuable asset to the Yankees’ bullpen.
Several teams have shown interest in Scott, appreciating his skill in handling challenging situations. Should the Yankees decide to acquire him, they might look into extending his contract beyond 2024, especially given the financial leeway expected from Tommy Kahnle’s expiring contract.
The Cost of Acquiring a High-Caliber Reliever
In a possible trade for Scott, the Yankees might have to give up a promising bullpen prospect such as Clayton Beeter and maybe an additional player. However, the team should be cautious about trading away players with high potential for a short-term acquisition.
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