The New York Yankees are in a prime position to bolster their bullpen with the acquisition of a standout relief pitcher before the trade deadline.
Reports from Jon Heyman of The Post suggest that Miami Marlins’ closer, Tanner Scott, has a strong likelihood of being traded before the MLB trade deadline on July 30.
This potential move could be a game-changer for the Yankees, who are in dire need of pitching upgrades, particularly from the left side of the mound.
Scott could be a perfect fit for the Yankees, even if he ends up being a short-term rental for the team that acquires him.
While the current closer, Clay Holmes, earned an All-Star nod, he leads the American League in blown saves post-break, highlighting the urgency for reinforcements in the bullpen.
Adding Scott to the roster would provide the Yankees with a reliable option for high-pressure situations late in games, easing the burden on Holmes to serve as the shutdown closer.
Despite Scott’s impending free agency at the end of the season, the Yankees wouldn’t have to break the bank to secure his services.
The 30-year-old boasts an impressive 1.30 ERA over 41.2 innings, complemented by 46 strikeouts, 25 walks, and a 1.03 WHIP. Although there may be some regression in his performance based on his expected ERA of 3.10, Scott possesses the strikeout prowess that the Yankees covet in their bullpen.
For the Yankees to turn their season around and make a strong push in the second half, bringing in Scott could be a crucial move among others that they need to consider.