Yankees identified potential trade partner for Marlins reliever

The New York Yankees have opened the year with a 16-8 record.

Despite their great start, they are not yet at full strength. The Yankees’ pitching staff has contributed significantly to their success. According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, the club was named as a prospective trade partner for Miami Marlins reliever Tanner Scott in order to strengthen an already formidable roster.

“Scott makes sense for a variety of contending teams, such as the Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers and New York Yankees,” Kelly stated in an email.

Scott is anticipated to be one of several Marlins players on the trading block. The Marlins are 6-19, and “fish will be on the menu in July,” Kelly says.

Scott Could Bolster an Already Strong Yankees Bullpen

The Yankees’ 2.95 team ERA currently ranks fourth in the majors. They finished tenth in 2023, earning a 3.97. However, in 2023, their bullpen had an MLB-best 3.34 ERA. Through 24 games, their bullpen has a 2.98 ERA, which ranks seventh in the league.

Scott has converted four of his five save opportunities in 2024, but the Yankees are more likely to use him as a setup man. He has a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings of work. In 2023, he participated in 74 games for the Marlins, posting a 2.31 ERA and striking out 104 batters.

“Expect Tanner Scott to be one of the most coveted relievers on the market, particularly if Helsley, Emmanuel Clase and David Bednar aren’t available,” Kelly wrote in an email. “The Red Sox likely will be willing to trade Kenley Jansen, but Scott might be a better option at this stage, particularly if you’re a team looking more for a setup man than a closer”

The Yankees already have Clay Holmes as their closer. Holmes has converted nine out of ten save opportunities and has yet to allow an earned run. Scott would give manager Aaron Boone another option for moving from starter to Holmes.

Yankees Pitching Thriving Despite Injuries

Scott would add an experienced arm to the Yankees’ already formidable pitching rotation. Despite their success, the ensemble lacks significant contributors. Most notably, the club has been missing Gerrit Cole, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner.

Cole claimed before the Yankees season opening that he was “feeling good and hopes to be back around what’s often whispered as the target date for his return, June 1,” according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Cole’s absence put extra strain on the starting rotation and bullpen to cover innings. Cole worked the most innings in the American League, at 209. Nick Burdi, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loáisiga have all been injured, which has hampered the Yankees bullpen. Loáisiga will miss the rest of the season due to a torn UCL, according to MLB.com.

Scott’s contract and the Marlins’ troubles make him a strong trade possibility. The 29-year-old southpaw might be an asset to any contender trying to improve their bullpen for a lengthy postseason run.