It’s been quite a time that the Red Sox’s bullpen discussion is going on. There are a few names rumored but nothing concrete as of now. With so many names doing the round, it is the Tanner Scott thing that is getting the most buzz recently. Now, the recent statement by the Red Sox GM about their bullpen addition further fueling up the hopes among the fans. Why? Because he is the one, the Red Sox is desperate to take him in. Good call?

Yes, Scott is currently the best reliever left as a free agent but comes with a steep price. With the Red Sox still looking to strengthen their bullpen and someone like Tanner Scott around, hype is inevitable! So, how Scott is going to be the most logical fit for the Red Sox, and why fans should be concerned about not signing him yet? 

Is Tanner Scott a logical fit?

As reported, the Red Sox is in continuous conversations with Scott even though they are also looking for other options as well. However, from the current free agent options, Scott is well ahead of others. How? Well, Scott ended his 2024 season with a 9-6 record, 1.75 ERA and 84 SO. His outstanding strikeout rate is something, teams are looking for. However, despite his impressive stats, how he is going to fit in the Red Sox lineup?

The bullpen performance of the Red Sox is something not going upward! They finished the 2024 season with an 81-81 record completing the third consecutive season without a playoff berth. Why? Fluctuating performance of their bullpen. The Red Sox bullpen is ranked 24th in ERA and 29th in BS! Hence, the addition of some experienced pitchers like Tanner Scott can turn the games for them. 

The Red Sox GM Craig Breslow in his interview with NESN said, “We’ve been actively engaged in conversations, we’ll continue to do that, and feel like there’s an opportunity to add to the bullpen”. This statement reflects their urgent need for added experience to their bullpen considering their underwhelming performance last season. Well, Tanner Scott will bring the much-needed stability to the Red Sox bullpen. Already the team has Chapman, Hendriks, and Slaten and the addition of Scott will just strengthen this squad. But can they?

Competition is intense

Yes, getting Tanner Scott on the team will not be an easy task for the Red Sox. Firstly, the asking price of $80 million is detrimental to the Red Sox considering they got a few big-ticket signings this time. However, with the recent statement of their GM, fans can still keep their hope regarding Scott. But what about the other contending teams?

Yes, there are a few other teams also contending for Tanner Scott including the Phillies, and Mets. LHP Scott got huge hype last season for neutralizing the Dodgers’ Ohtani, which is attracting teams like the Mets with the objective of a bigger postseason and not repeating their last season’s defeat to the Dodgers. Whereas, the Phillies are in a look for an LHP after strengthening their bullpen with the likes of Joe Ross and Jordan Romano. So, the Red Sox have an uphill task to close the deal in minimum time. 

Thus, with Scott still available, it will be good for the Red Sox to capture every opportunity coming its way. With Scott coming in, fans can also hope for a better season this time and restore their trust after the underwhelming 2024. However, as the GM’s words seem a ray of hope, fans do need to wait to see how it ends.