The Los Angeles Dodgers have frequently been tied in MLB trade rumors to shortstop, center field and starting pitching before the MLB trade deadline. However, Los Angeles is reportedly also in the mix for one of the top closers available.
While the Dodgers bullpen has been very good this season, there’s room for improvement. Dodgers’ relievers have one of the lowest strikeout rates in the National League and the club is thin on left-handed relievers. One of the team’s trade targets would change that.
- Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen stats (FanGraphs): 3.02 ERA (2nd in MLB), 8.30 K/9 (24th in MLB), 3.07 BB/9 (6th in MLB), 1.07 WHIP (2nd in MLB), .200 batting average allowed (2nd in MLB)
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According to Will Sammon, Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers are among the teams interested in Miami Marlins reliever Tanner Scott.
The 29-year-old has drawn significant interest ahead of the MLB trade deadline, especially with the lack of high-end southpaw relievers available. Besides Los Angeles, Scott is drawing interest from the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.
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- Tanner Scott (FanGraphs): 1.50 ERA, 9.50 K/9, 5.75 BB/9, 1.14 WHIP, .144 batting average allowed, 25.7% strikeout rate, 10.1% K-BB rate
“The Marlins are virtually certain to trade Scott, and the limited supply of quality relievers should result in them getting a decent return”
Ken Rosenthal on Miami Marlins reliever Tanner Scott
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As Rosenthal mentions, the amount of interest in Scott will drive up the Marlins’ asking price. Typically, relievers on expiring contracts who are moved at the deadline don’t require a premium prospect. However, the number of teams pursuing Scott will push that price up further.
- Tanner Scott contract: $5.7 million salary, 2025 free agent
There is a drawback with Scott that interested clubs will have some issues with. The veteran righty enters MLB games today with a 15.5 percent walk rate, the fifth-highest among qualified relievers. There are some signs of improvement, though, as Scott posted a 31.9 percent K-rate in June with a 10.6 percent walk rate.
If acquired, Scott would likely serve as a setup man in the Dodgers bullpen for closer Evan Phillips. Any team that lands Scott will be on the hook for less than half of his remaining salary.
