Following their mediocre 82-80 record in the 2023 season, the New York Yankees are in need of some strategic moves. According to New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the team has a suitable bullpen option in Tanner Scott of the Miami Marlins. He expects the Yankees to send Jake Bauers in the opposite direction and acquire the hard-throwing pitcher.
This potential trade holds promise for the Yankees. Tanner Scott, at just 29 years of age, showcased his star potential in the 2023 season. The imposing southpaw posted an impressive 2.31 ERA in 74 appearances, and his advanced statistics were even more compelling.
Scott excelled in various aspects, ranking in the 99th percentile for expected ERA, chase percentage, and hard-hit percentage, while also ranking in the 98th percentile for strikeout percentage and the 90th percentile for fastball velocity, as per Baseball Savant.
Will Miami agree to the Yankees offer?
Although the Yankees boasted the best bullpen in the league during the 2023 season, they recognize the need to fortify their pitching staff this offseason. Acquiring Scott for Jake Bauers would be an opportunity the club should seize without hesitation.
Sherman referred to MLB Trade Rumors’ projection that Bauers could be in line for a $1.7 million salary in his first year of arbitration and noted that he had three years of the Yankees’ control. He mentioned that Bauers fit the profile of a player that the Marlins might consider. However, Sherman questioned whether the Marlins liked Bauers’ potential for improvement.
Scott’s performance, particularly the significant drop in his walk percentage and the substantial reduction in his ERA during the 2023 season may also lead to questions. Sherman pointed out that Scott’s stuff was never in doubt, but his command had been a concern. The insider wondered if the Marlins and the baseball community believed that Scott’s changes were sustainable. If so, acquiring him for just one season should yield more than a prospect like Bauers, who was seen as having potential for three years. Sherman also highlighted the Yankees’ need to address their left-handed reliever situation, considering that Wandy Peralta was a free agent and may need to be re-signed.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Bauers for a dependable lefty reliever works.