Title: Dodgers and Mets Predicted to Lose $60M Tanner Scott Sweepstakes to NL Rival
The race for coveted bullpen talent is heating up, and two of the biggest names in Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, are facing stiff competition for the services of Miami Marlins’ left-handed reliever Tanner Scott. Both teams have been heavily linked to Scott this offseason, but industry insiders suggest that the Dodgers and Mets may ultimately lose out to a surprise National League rival in what is shaping up to be a $60 million sweepstakes.
The Rise of Tanner Scott
Tanner Scott, 29, is one of the most intriguing names on the free-agent market this offseason. Known for his high-velocity fastball and devastating slider, Scott has emerged as one of the premier left-handed relievers in Major League Baseball. After being acquired by the Miami Marlins from the Baltimore Orioles in 2021, Scott solidified his role as a key piece in the Marlins’ bullpen, regularly registering strikeouts while also experiencing occasional struggles with command.
Scott’s fastball routinely touches triple digits, making him a fearsome weapon against left-handed and right-handed hitters alike. His strikeout rate has consistently been impressive, but his walk rate has been a point of concern. Still, his ability to generate swings and misses with his electric stuff has made him a coveted target for teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
In 2023, Scott posted a 3.45 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP and struck out 81 batters in 60 innings of work, proving that his strikeout potential and overall effectiveness were more than just a flash in the pan. With multiple teams in need of bullpen help, it’s no surprise that Scott has become one of the top available relievers this offseason.
The Dodgers and Mets: Competing for Top Talent
Both the Dodgers and Mets have long been expected to be heavy players in the Tanner Scott sweepstakes. Los Angeles has a history of being aggressive in the free-agent market, with the organization willing to spend big to improve its roster. Similarly, the Mets, under the ownership of Steve Cohen, have shown a willingness to open up the checkbook in pursuit of top-tier talent to complement their star-studded roster.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a strong point in recent years, but the departure of key contributors such as Chris Martin has created some uncertainty. With a rotation that remains solid and the offense brimming with potential, bolstering the bullpen has become a primary focus for the Dodgers’ front office this offseason.
The Mets, too, are looking to upgrade their bullpen after a disappointing 2023 season. Although they added veteran arms in previous offseasons, their relief corps was inconsistent, and the team’s pitching depth could certainly use improvement. Tanner Scott’s ability to get hitters out at a high rate is something that could make a big difference for the Mets’ late-game situation.
The Surprising NL Rival: The St. Louis Cardinals
Despite the Dodgers and Mets being the frontrunners, a dark horse in the race for Tanner Scott’s services is the St. Louis Cardinals. According to sources close to the situation, the Cardinals are poised to enter the competition for Scott with a strong offer, potentially outbidding both Los Angeles and New York.
The Cardinals, typically not known for spending excessively on free agents, have been steadily building towards contention after a disappointing 2023 season that saw them fall out of playoff contention in the National League. Despite their struggles, the Cardinals have a roster filled with talented hitters and an impressive farm system. However, their pitching staff was an area of concern, with a significant lack of depth in the bullpen.
With the emergence of budding stars like Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman, along with a solid core of veterans like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals are motivated to retool their roster for a playoff push in 2024. Scott would provide a strong left-handed option at the back end of their bullpen, filling a void that has plagued St. Louis in recent years. The team’s front office, recognizing that improving the bullpen could be a key to their success, is expected to make a serious push for Scott.
The Financial Picture: A $60M Investment
In terms of contract negotiations, Tanner Scott is expected to land a lucrative deal this offseason. Reports indicate that Scott could command a contract worth upwards of $60 million over a four-year period. The terms of the deal would make Scott one of the highest-paid relievers in the game, reflecting his value as one of the best left-handed bullpen arms available.
Both the Dodgers and Mets have the financial flexibility to meet Scott’s asking price. However, the key will be how the teams structure their respective offers. The Dodgers, with their deep pockets and ability to take on payroll, will likely present a competitive bid, but the Mets, too, could be in position to make a splash by offering Scott both a high annual salary and a longer-term deal.
The Cardinals, however, may have to get creative if they are to match or exceed the offers from the Dodgers and Mets. St. Louis has a history of frugality when it comes to free-agent signings, but the team’s brass could decide that the investment in Scott is worth the risk. A potential $60 million deal would be one of the biggest free-agent signings in the history of the Cardinals, but it could be exactly what they need to shore up their bullpen and improve their chances of returning to playoff contention in 2024.
The Impact on the NL East and NL Central
Should Scott land in either Los Angeles or New York, the impact on the National League landscape could be significant. For the Dodgers, adding a left-handed reliever of Scott’s caliber would provide another weapon in an already dominant bullpen. With a strong mix of veterans and young talent, the Dodgers could potentially form one of the most formidable pitching staffs in the league.
For the Mets, Scott would represent a significant upgrade to a bullpen that has struggled in recent years. His presence would provide manager Buck Showalter with a reliable arm to handle high-leverage situations, particularly against left-handed hitters. With a playoff-caliber rotation and an offense that can generate runs, the Mets would be a stronger team with Scott on the roster.
The addition of Scott to the Cardinals would provide a different kind of ripple effect. As a team on the cusp of playoff contention, St. Louis would gain an important late-inning option to go along with their already strong starting rotation. Scott’s acquisition could be the piece that pushes the Cardinals over the top and back into postseason relevance.
Conclusion: A Competitive Market for Tanner Scott
As the free-agent market continues to take shape, it’s clear that Tanner Scott will be one of the most sought-after arms available. While the Dodgers and Mets have long been considered the favorites to sign him, the rise of the St. Louis Cardinals as a potential suitor adds an intriguing layer to the sweepstakes. With Scott potentially landing a contract worth $60 million, the competition for his services is expected to be fierce. For the teams vying for his signature, securing Scott could be a key move in their respective pushes for postseason success in 2024.
