An indispensable name in the MLB offseason – Tanner Scott. And teams are playing their biggest cards to sign this sough-after arm. The competition surrounding his sweepstakes is getting intense by the day. Now, the question remains who would win this race?

The New York Mets’ current interest has really set the stage for the drama. According to reports, the team only has $10 M remaining to invest. But they are being courageous enough to pursue Scott to amp up their roster. Preparing for a playoff force in 2025, this move could transform their power dynamics in the NL East. However, now, it’s upon Scott to decide.

Tanner Scott, the $80 million talent everyone needs

Assessing the offseason’s most coveted individuals, Tanner Scott rules the communications, and for good reason! His capability to play under pressure. But Scott’s prominence did not come overnight. In 2014, drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, he flew under the radar. However, Scott is a late-blooming powerhouse, a pitcher that every team dreams of. His 97 mph fastball blazes past hitters, while the slider has totally left batters guessing and striking out. Well, the numbers speak for themselves – 22 saves and a 1.75 ERA in 2024.

On Mets Hot Stove, @martinonyc reports that the Mets:

🔶 Could have significant interest in Tanner Scott on a high AAV/short-term deal
🔷 Have not engaged in Luis Castillo trade talks with the Mariners
🔶 Don’t appear to be the team to land Roki Sasaki pic.twitter.com/aAdtIDQPtl

— SNY (@SNYtv) January 8, 2025

But Scott is not just about raw power; it is his pitch mix that makes him so dangerous. He has hitters to a pitiful .134 batting average with his 4-seam fastball, which manages the strike zone. In addition, his slider has an amazing 38.8 percent whiff rate that sends batters swinging at the air. A totally lethal combination, isn’t it? And now, as the offseason heats up, his $80 million price tag does not seem so overwhelming.

How the entry of the Mets could transform the power aspect of the NL East?

With powerful teams like the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Miami Marlins dictating discussions, the NL East is no stranger to intense competitiveness. The Braves have continuously displayed their power with a strong lineup and a well-rounded bullpen under the leadership of Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr. The Phillies are coming off of successful postseason trips with Zack Wheeler and Bryce Harper. On the contrary, despite investing heavily in Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, the Mets have found it tough to match their competitors’ consistency. Specifically, their bullpen has been a noticeable flaw, costing them important games.

Now comes Tanner Scott. He can drastically alter the Mets’ fortunes. A bullpen that can terrify the most formidable NL East lineups could be established by pairing Scott with Edwin Díaz, who had a stellar 2022 season with a 1.31 ERA, 32 saves, and an incredible 118 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched. With Scott’s powerful left-arm dominance and Díaz’s unmatched closer ability, the Mets could form one of the most feared relief duos in the league.

As the Mets navigate their offseason, the potential signing of Tanner Scott could be pivotal. While they face stiff competition, securing Scott could address their bullpen issues and prove their intentions to contend in the NL East. Landing Scott would solidify their standing as one of the most dangerous teams in the division, increasing their chances of returning to postseason play in 2025.

What do you think – could Tanner Scott be the key to the Mets’ success in the NL East? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.