As the trade deadline approaches on July 30th, the Philadelphia Phillies are actively seeking reinforcements, particularly a left-handed bat and an addition to their bullpen.
In recent discussions within baseball circles, attention has centered around Oakland Athletics’ standout reliever Mason Miller. The Phillies had a close look at the All-Star during Oakland’s recent visit to Philadelphia, even sharing a ride with him to the All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas. However, amidst the buzz surrounding Miller, another viable bullpen option has emerged.
According to USA Today, the Phillies are closely monitoring Miami Marlins’ reliever Tanner Scott, whom they are familiar with from their NL East encounters. Opting for Scott would provide the Phillies with a more seasoned arm compared to Miller, who is still a rookie, potentially at a lower trade cost given Scott’s impending free agency.
Scott, also an All-Star attendee in Arlington, has been delivering a stellar season as the Marlins’ closer. His record includes a 6-5 win-loss ratio with an impressive 1.30 ERA, which, if maintained, would mark a career low for him. Additionally, Scott has accumulated 15 saves, nearing his career-best mark of 20 set in 2022. He has served as Miami’s closer for three consecutive seasons, accumulating 47 career saves after being initially drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 and called up in 2017.
One of Scott’s notable strengths is his ability to generate strikeouts, a trait that has been consistent throughout his career. While his strikeout rate this season has slightly dipped to nine strikeouts per nine innings compared to previous seasons, he still maintains a favorable strikeout-to-innings-pitched ratio (46 strikeouts in 41.2 innings).
Philadelphia’s bullpen, highlighted by All-Star representatives Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman, has shown promise but could benefit from additional depth, especially in late-inning scenarios. With Craig Kimbrel recently traded to Baltimore, closing duties have primarily fallen to Hoffman, who has performed admirably with a 1.09 ERA and nine saves converted out of twelve chances, supported by 55 strikeouts in 41 innings.
However, concerns linger around Jose Alvarado’s consistency, despite a solid strikeout rate of 41 in 39.1 innings pitched, his ERA stands at 4.35. Addressing the back end of the bullpen remains a priority for the Phillies, and Scott emerges as a compelling option due to his reliability, minimal earned runs conceded, and strikeout effectiveness akin to Hoffman’s.
As the Phillies weigh their options leading up to the trade deadline, securing Scott could bolster their bullpen significantly, offering stability and experience in critical late-game situations. With just days remaining, Philadelphia’s pursuit of Scott underscores their commitment to fortifying their roster for a postseason push and addressing current roster needs.