Throughout the most of the 2024 Major League Baseball season, the Philadelphia Phillies had one of the strongest bullpens in the league. Then October arrived and turned that view upside down. Carlos Estévez, a 2023 All-Star who was even better this season, was acquired by the Phillies, who possessed two 2024 All-Stars in Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm. However, the New York Mets showed no concern, winning two of their three games in the Division Series in a thrilling comeback while taking a bite out of all three.
Restocking the bullpen is a good goal this winter, even though Philadelphia has other areas of the roster to focus on, such as the outfield and fifth starting position. Additionally, according to a recent projection, they will likely sign the top free agent reliever. The Phillies may have found the lockdown closer they were looking for last season in Tanner Scott, a 2024 first-time All-Star who was moved from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres in the middle of the season.
According to a recent prediction by Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball, Philadelphia will sign Scott to a $60 million, four-year contract this winter. Tanner Scott is the only reliever who will receive compensation this winter. After being traded to the Padres at the deadline, the former Marlins closer flourished as a high-leverage weapon, according to Finkelstein. “Scott’s representation may aim to land a five-year contract worth over $15 million per season, although just two men have received such offers. Edwin Diaz and Josh Hader.
Beginning in 2023, Scott managed his control issues, and the outcomes were remarkable. In his 150 innings pitched over the last two seasons, he has a 2.04 ERA, 188 strikeouts, and an impressive 7.6 bWAR. Whichever team is most driven to repair their bullpen with actual money will win the Scott sweepstakes. The Phillies might be inspired to become that club by their postseason setbacks, and they won’t be angry with themselves if Scott continues to pitch as well as he has.
