Marlins Reliever Tanner Scott Drawing Interest from Multiple Teams as Trade Deadline Approaches

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ICARO Media Group
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09/07/2024 20h30

In an effort to rebuild and reshape their roster, the Miami Marlins are actively exploring potential trades for a number of veteran players, including their hard-throwing closer, Tanner Scott. Scott, who is set to make his first All-Star Game appearance next week, has garnered significant interest from around a dozen teams, according to reports.

While the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles were previously linked to Scott, it appears that numerous other clubs have now entered the mix for the left-handed reliever. With a fastball clocking in at 97 mph and a devastating slider in his arsenal, Scott has proven to be a viable target for teams with aspirations of making a deep postseason run.

Scott's season got off to a shaky start, struggling with his command and issuing a high number of walks during Spring Training and the first few weeks of the regular season. However, he has made considerable progress in improving his control since the beginning of May, with a significant decrease in his walk rate. Despite the earlier struggles, Scott has maintained an impressive 2.84 ERA and limited opponents to a paltry .142 batting average.

This season's All-Star nomination is a testament to Scott's consistent performance over the past few years. In 2023, he showcased his skills with a 2.31 ERA, a strikeout rate of 33.9%, and a career-best walk percentage of 7.8% over 78 innings pitched. Since joining the Marlins two and a half seasons ago, Scott has been a reliable presence in the bullpen, recording 45 saves and finishing 89 games as the team's closer.

With Scott set to become a free agent after this season, the Marlins have little incentive to retain him beyond the trade deadline. The 29-year-old lefty is projected to secure a multi-year deal in the offseason, making him an unlikely candidate for a rebuilding Miami team. Scott is currently earning a $5.7 million arbitration salary this year, with around $2.5 million still owed.

While Scott is the primary trade target in the Marlins' bullpen, other relievers may also be available for discussion. Left-hander Andrew Nardi, who is under team control for another four seasons, has garnered significant interest due to his solid strikeout and walk numbers, despite a relatively high ERA. The Marlins may consider keeping Nardi as a potential closer for next season.

Additionally, right-handers Calvin Faucher and Declan Cronin have emerged as potential trade candidates, although the level of interest in them remains uncertain. Both pitchers were low-cost acquisitions during the offseason, with Faucher joining the Marlins in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cronin claimed off waivers from the Houston Astros. Their performances have been respectable, with Faucher boasting a 3.55 ERA and Cronin recording a 3.35 ERA while showcasing solid peripherals.

As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Marlins and their potential moves to freshen up their roster. With Tanner Scott garnering significant interest from a multitude of teams, Miami's president of baseball operations, Peter Bendix, and his staff have their work cut out for them as they navigate potential trades and seek to secure the best possible returns for their veterans.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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