The Miami Marlins brutal start to the season led to an early trade of Luis Arráez. A trade that earlier in the campaign is a clear indicator the Marlins will offload more players as the trade deadline approaches. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on Friday that teams have been inquiring about closer Tanner Scott. It’s not a surprise if and when any player on the roster is discussed as a potential trade candidate. However, it’s notable that clubs have begun looking into the asking price of Scott.
“The Marlins, after entertaining conversations for pitchers such as Jesús Luzardo and Braxton Garrett during the offseason, already have a sense of what the market will bear.” Rosenthal wrote. “Their improved play of late- the team is 13-3 since its 7-24 start- should only enhance the value of their players.”
Teams Inquiring on Tanner Scott
The left-handed reliever stands as another Marlins most ideal trade candidate. Scott will be a free agent at season’s end and earning $5.7 million, any team that needs bullpen help could use his services. It wouldn’t come as a shock if the Marlins didn’t trade him within the next two months. Scott is emerging as one of the best relievers in baseball dating back to last season. He posted a 2.31 ERA with a nice 33.9 percent strikeout rate. However, Scott has faced adversity with alarming command troubles throughout his career. Scott walked hitters at 7.8 percent in the first season of his career with a walk rate under 11.6 percent. That altogether pairs well with a 96.9 mph fastball and a wipeout slider.
Scott’s Season Has Been More of a Mixed Bag
Scott owns a solid 1.57 ERA this season. Although he has walked 17.8 percent of his opponents, much of his troubles came in the early part of the season. He walked nine hitters through his first 5 2/3 innings but has walked nine of them since that time in 17 1/3 innings. Things for Scott have been better recently as he allowed one walk in his past six innings. His strikeout rate is still down, sitting at 22.8 percent, but he’s getting ground balls at a 54.5 percent rate.
The Marlins still owe Scott $3.7 million of this season’s salary. Barring any injury, a trade for Scott seems like it’s going to happen. Fellow impending free agents Josh Bell and Tim Anderson could serve as other clear trade candidates if either were performing to their career levels. Beyond Miami’s free agents, any player who’s already into or approaching his arbitration years seems like a candidate to be moved.
Main Photo: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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