The New York Yankees are eyeing an impactful addition to their bullpen this offseason, with plans to bring in one of baseball’s premier closers. After a solid 2024 postseason, where Yankees relievers held an impressive 2.67 ERA, the front office aims to further solidify its bullpen ahead of the 2025 season.
While Luke Weaver was instrumental in anchoring the team’s bullpen during the playoffs—posting a 1.76 ERA across 15.1 innings and securing four saves—the overall depth for next year remains a concern, especially with key relievers like Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle entering free agency.
Yankees expected to bolster bullpen with elite reliever in free agency
This potential gap in the bullpen has led to speculation about the Yankees pursuing top-tier relief talent in free agency. According to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, former San Diego Padres closer Tanner Scott could be a primary target. Scott, a left-hander with an outstanding season behind him, pitched to a 1.75 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and a 10.5 K/9 rate across 72 appearances with the Marlins and Padres. His performance earned him an All-Star selection and showcased his versatility with 22 saves and 11 holds. Reuter notes that Scott might be the powerful left-hander New York’s bullpen has been missing.
However, signing Scott likely won’t come cheap. The Yankees may need to offer a deal in the range of four years and $60 million to secure the 30-year-old southpaw. Despite the potential price tag, adding Scott would be a significant move, offering New York more options for late-game scenarios. Scott could serve as an effective setup man for the eighth inning, tackle high-leverage situations against left-handed hitters, or even step into the closer role, allowing Weaver to handle other crucial late-inning spots.
Reuter’s projections for the Yankees’ 2025 Opening Day roster include Scott, highlighting the potential impact he could bring to the bullpen. The flexibility Scott offers could alleviate pressure in high-stakes games, providing New York with a more stable back end to support its rotation and give the team a competitive edge in tight contests. For a bullpen that already demonstrated resilience in the postseason, Scott’s addition could be the missing piece that pushes the Yankees to even greater heights next season.
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