As the trade deadline looms in just two weeks, the New York Yankees are assessing their needs, with a particular focus on bolstering their bullpen. General Manager Brian Cashman is reportedly eyeing talent from the Miami Marlins, specifically left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott, who has recently made an All-Star appearance.
Tanner Scott: A Potential Game-Changer for the Yankees
Tanner Scott, who has outperformed Yankees closer Clay Holmes this season, boasts an impressive 1.34 ERA with 10.04 strikeouts per nine innings. His 82.1% left-on-base rate and 48.9% ground ball rate over 40.1 innings highlight his effectiveness. Scott’s acquisition could shift Holmes to a setup role while Scott takes on primary closing duties. Given that Scott is only under contract until the end of the 2024 season, the Yankees might secure him without a hefty trade sacrifice, considering his role as a rental.
“The first thing’s going to be their bullpen,” Ken Rosenthal said about the Yankees on July 6. “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.”
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Analyzing Scott’s Pitching Arsenal and Impact
Scott ranks in the top echelons of the league with a 97th-percentile expected batting average of .189 and stands in the 100th percentile for average exit velocity at 82.8 mph. His hard-hit percentage is in the 98th percentile, a testament to his effective use of a four-seam fastball and slider combination. His fastball averages 96.7 mph, yielding a .099 batting average against, with a 26.3% whiff rate. His slider, recording a .175 batting average against, impresses with a 42.5% whiff rate and 27.8% put-away rate.
Scott’s pitches exhibit 14% more vertical movement than average, giving them a riding motion that challenges hitters. As a lefty, his arsenal is particularly valuable, featuring 70% more horizontal movement on his slider compared to the average — a staggering 7.3 inches of break. His slider has a gyro shape with 36.4 inches of vertical drop, but that horizontal movement gives that extra bit of quality.
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Potential Challenges and Strategic Considerations
While Scott’s skills are undeniable, his walk rate of 5.58 batters per nine innings raises concerns, especially in high-pressure situations. If he can improve his command, he could be a formidable addition to the Yankees’ bullpen.
Several teams have expressed interest in Scott, recognizing his ability to navigate tough situations. If the Yankees proceed with acquiring him, they might consider extending his contract beyond 2024, especially with financial flexibility anticipated from Tommy Kahnle’s expiring contract.
In any potential trade for Scott, the Yankees might need to part with a promising bullpen prospect like Clayton Beeter and possibly another player. However, the team should avoid surrendering players with elite potential in exchange for a short-term rental.
