Empty as it is, December is going to find the Boston Red Sox in a position to take a runaway shot after it ends. The opportunity to truly change the tides comes with the most active time of year, with the team’s part-time assignment bringing on an All-Star reliever, Tanner Scott. Talk about what could turn into Scott’s signing isn’t the lefty coming off a brilliant season in which he pitched across 72 games, finishing with a 9-6 record, an astounding 1.75 ERA, and 22 saves? Against the opponents, the batting average fell to .179 while Scott’s strikeout rate ticked at almost 30 percent, an indicator of elite closer material.

For the likes of the Red Sox, who had trouble closing games last season, a good left-hand arm can easily spark a turnaround in fortunes. Boston should really consider that plunge, offensively asking $80 million over four years. Risky though signing a 30-year-old reliever to mammoth contract terms might be; the reward, at least, is fatter than the risk. Will they go for it?

Scott’s rocket arm, the missing piece for the Red Sox bullpen

This is basically a Red Sox opportunity for all intents and purposes. The transformation within several clubs provides a window for Boston to procure golden opportunities within the standings. The priority for the Red Sox is to alleviate last year’s fundamental weaknesses, mainly the inconsistent performance of its bullpen—most glaringly in the late moments of tight contests—as it has just done in acquiring Scott. For the record, this improves the win-loss record, but more importantly, it shows fans and foes to be ready to go to war.

Historically, Boston has not been known to spend go for the jugular on a hefty offer on aging pitchers. This is now history; the state calls for a significant departure from its finite investment approach. The bullpen market is empty, and Scott is probably the best option. He is known for his performance under pressure and would prove beneficial in a high-leverage situation: potentially a prime target. His recent work has shown he is not only a success but also could be a sustained success in the foreseeable future, making him a valuable investment.

Should Boston snag the Scott deal, it would make it one of the most significant leaves in reliever contracts in MLB history, comparable to Edwin Díaz and Josh Hader contracts for elite closers. It will signify a change in approach within the manic BostonRed Sox’s heavy investment in vital players to fix gaping holes.

Reports have stated Boston is now quite the “clear front-runner” in the race toward Scott. With the onset of spring training just around the corner, this would be the perfect time for the Red Sox to make such a statement.

The high stakes of signing Scott for Boston

While the money at stake is sizable, so too is the possibility of reward at the end of it all. Scott may just have everything that Boston needs to stay afloat within such a division full of talent and also to master opposing lineups and end tight games. Additionally, the most consistent improvement in recent years also points to untapped potential, making it a smart bet for future dividends.

For Red Sox fans, a signing like this would break the monotony of an otherwise lackluster offseason. Then again, it restores hopes that perhaps it is serious about contending for the coming season. Now is the time for the Red Sox to take bold actions because of these stakes. Signing Tanner Scott would absolutely turn the offseason story for the Red Sox from quiet to boisterous.

It is a tremendous opportunity to address a very gaping hole, fire up the fan base, and prepare for a successful season. Sure, the amount may make some people gasp, but the impact on the field makes it a gamble worth taking. Lots of rumors abound, but one thing is clear—Boston Red Sox is written into the cards for a turnaround, and Tanner Scott might be the key to doing so.