At the trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies were eager to enhance their bullpen in any way possible. They expressed interest in left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, who was considered one of the top relievers available.
Ultimately, Scott was traded to the San Diego Padres, strengthening a bullpen that was already among the best in Major League Baseball. While acquiring Scott would have been a smart move for the Phillies, he will hit free agency this winter, and his anticipated contract demands are quite high.
According to Spotrac, his market value is projected at an average annual value of $16.4 million, totaling four years and $65.6 million. This figure reflects his talent, but teams have struggled with investing heavily in relievers in the past.
The Phillies will need to make their own decisions about their current bullpen roster, and committing $65 million to Scott may not be the wisest choice. Nonetheless, Mark Feinsand from MLB.com mentioned the Phillies again as a potential fit for the All-Star.
“Scott has emerged as one of the league’s premier relievers, earning his first All-Star nod this summer. He recorded a 1.75 ERA and 22 saves over 72 appearances with the Marlins and Padres, making him a top target among free-agent relievers. With the ongoing demand for dependable relief pitching, Scott will likely attract many suitors.”
If the Phillies choose to pursue the 30-year-old, it wouldn’t be viewed negatively. In fact, he might be one of the more underrated players available this winter, given the importance of relievers to team success.
While $65 million may seem excessive, it doesn’t diminish his effectiveness on the mound. The Phillies’ front office will face challenging decisions this winter, especially as the team appears further from contending for a World Series than before.
Their bullpen struggled during the postseason, and with the potential departure of Carlos Estevez and Jeff Hoffman, they might be inclined to invest in someone like Scott. Until then, the front office’s plans remain uncertain.
What is clear as of late October is that Philadelphia needs to strengthen their roster, and that might involve increasing their payroll.
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