Andy McCullough of The Athletic recently singled out Tanner Scott as an ideal acquisition for the Texas Rangers, emphasizing that the left-handed pitcher could play a pivotal role in the team’s pursuit of a championship in 2025. McCullough explained that although Texas owner Ray Davis has shown restraint when it comes to making significant financial commitments, there may still be enough flexibility in the team’s budget to bring in someone of Scott’s caliber. The Rangers, fresh off their 2023 World Series victory, are determined to remain competitive and position themselves for another postseason run, and adding a dynamic bullpen piece like Scott could be a crucial move in solidifying their chances.
McCullough praised Scott’s exceptional performance over the past two seasons, highlighting him as the most valuable reliever in baseball according to FanGraphs. He noted that when Scott is on his game and throwing strikes, he is virtually unstoppable. This is particularly evident from his standout performances in high-pressure situations. McCullough pointed to Scott’s dominant showing in the postseason, where he neutralized one of the game’s greatest hitters, Shohei Ohtani, emphasizing that Scott’s versatility as both a closer and a reliable option in late-inning situations makes him a perfect fit for a team like the Rangers, who are looking to sustain their championship window. With most of the 2023 championship roster still intact and ace Jacob deGrom expected to be healthy for the 2025 season, McCullough suggested that adding a proven and dependable reliever such as Scott could significantly boost the Rangers’ ability to compete for another title.
Scott’s 2024 season further solidified his reputation as one of the league’s elite bullpen arms. He finished the year with 22 saves, four of which came after he was traded from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres midseason. This move proved to be a strong one for Scott, as his numbers in San Diego only bolstered his already impressive track record. He posted a 1.75 ERA and a 1.125 WHIP, along with 84 strikeouts, showing that his success in 2023 was no anomaly. The consistency he displayed in 2024 reaffirmed his place as one of the game’s top relievers, and his ability to thrive in high-leverage situations was a key factor in his value. In the postseason, Scott was flawless, not surrendering a single earned run across six appearances. His remarkable performance in save situations, where he recorded a 1.72 ERA, and his ability to maintain composure in non-save situations with a 1.78 ERA, further underlined his effectiveness in critical moments. Additionally, Scott proved his worth in putting out fires, holding opposing hitters to a paltry .088/.184/.088 slash line when he entered games with his team trailing.
The possibility of Scott joining the Texas Rangers would undoubtedly represent a significant boon to their bullpen. A pitcher of Scott’s caliber would give the Rangers an elite late-game option, allowing them to shut down opposing offenses in crucial moments. His acquisition would also be a blow to the Padres, who would lose one of their most dependable relievers. Despite having a strong 2024 campaign, San Diego fell short of beating their National League West rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the playoffs. As a result, the Padres face a tough decision in 2025 about how to maintain their bullpen depth while also positioning themselves for another title run. Losing Scott would put a dent in their late-game dominance, and they may need to reconsider their approach if they hope to compete at the highest level in the coming season.
For the Rangers, adding Scott would not only bolster their bullpen but also provide a strategic advantage in tight games, enhancing their overall roster depth as they aim for a second consecutive World Series appearance. With the right additions, including a high-caliber reliever like Scott, Texas could build on its 2023 championship success and remain a top contender in 2025.
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