Elite Southpaw Is Most Coveted Reliever This Offseason
While the offseason buzz centers on aces and big bats, some of the market’s top bullpen arms are flying under the radar. Yet, for teams looking to fortify their late-game relief corps, one name stands out: Tanner Scott. The 30-year-old left-hander has emerged as one of baseball’s most dominant relievers and is primed to be one of the most coveted arms in free agency.
Elite Southpaw Is Most Coveted Reliever This Offseason
Tanner Scott’s Free Agent Profile
Scott split his stellar 2024 season between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. After earning All-Star honors as the Marlins’ closer in the first half, he was traded to San Diego at the deadline, where he bolstered one of MLB’s top bullpens. Over 72 innings, Scott delivered a 1.75 ERA (252 ERA+), a 9-6 record, 22 saves, and 84 strikeouts. Though he served as an eighth-inning setup man in San Diego, Scott is poised to reclaim a closer role in 2025.
The key to his success? It’s a devastating two-pitch arsenal. Scott pairs a blazing 97 mph fastball with a deadly 88.5 mph slider, which powered his 145 Stuff+ rating in 2024. This mix not only generates swings and misses but also limits hard contact. Opposing hitters mustered a mere .179/.285/.243 line against him, with just three home runs all season. Left-handed batters fared even worse, slashing .132/.224/.191 without a single homer. Also, when it comes to postseason pressure, Scott shines. Across 5 ⅓ playoff innings with the Marlins and Padres, he’s allowed no earned runs and only two hits.
