Braves primed to lure $65 million reliever to the East Coast | Sporting News

Key Takeaways:

• The Braves are interested in signing reliever Tanner Scott to bolster their bullpen.
• Tanner Scott logged 22 saves with a 1.75 ERA last season.
• San Diego Padres are looking to reduce payroll, making Scott available.
• Braves have a pressing need for a high-leverage left-handed pitcher.
• Spotrac projects Scott’s market value at $65.5 million over four years.

Braves Seek to Strengthen Bullpen

The Atlanta Braves, in a bid to reinforce their bullpen, are reportedly interested in signing left-handed reliever Tanner Scott. This move comes as the Braves aim to fill the void left by the departure of two top setup men and address their need for a high-leverage lefty pitcher.

A Pressing Need for a Left-Handed Reliever

David O’Brien of The Athletic highlighted the Braves’ predicament, stating they “lost two top setup men and hasn’t spent any big money yet this winter, a team that has a serious high-leverage lefty need in its bullpen.” With the offseason progressing, the Braves have yet to make significant expenditures, intensifying the urgency to secure a reliable pitcher.

Tanner Scott’s Impressive Track Record

Tanner Scott, an eight-year major league veteran, showcased remarkable performance last season. Splitting his time between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres, Scott logged 22 saves with a stellar 1.75 ERA. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver consistent results makes him an attractive candidate for the Braves’ bullpen.

From Miami to San Diego

Last July, the Padres acquired Scott from the Marlins in a six-player deal. The trade sent San Diego prospects Robby Snelling, Adam Mazur, Jay Beshears, and Graham Pauley to Miami. Upon joining the Padres, Scott was installed as a “co-closer” alongside Robert Suarez, forming a formidable duo that bolstered the team’s late-inning pitching.

Padres’ Payroll Constraints Open the Door

Despite Scott’s contributions, the San Diego Padres are reportedly looking to trim payroll after falling short of their World Series expectations yet again. With Robert Suarez solidifying his role by notching 36 saves, a 2.77 ERA, and 57 strikeouts in 55 games, retaining Scott is not the organization’s top priority. This situation presents an opportunity for the Braves to pursue Scott’s talents.

Financial Considerations

According to Spotrac, Tanner Scott is projected to command a market value of $65.5 million over a four-year contract. While this represents a significant investment, the Braves recognize the value that a high-caliber reliever like Scott could bring to their pitching staff.

A Potential Game-Changer for Atlanta

Adding Scott to the roster could provide the Braves with the high-leverage left-handed pitching they have been lacking. His experience and proven track record align with Atlanta’s ambitions to strengthen their bullpen and enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming season.

Looking Ahead

As the offseason continues, the Braves’ pursuit of Tanner Scott will be a storyline to watch. Securing his signature could be a pivotal move that addresses their bullpen needs and positions the team for success when the new season begins.