The Yankees are looking to significantly strengthen their bullpen and are one of six teams expected to be in trade talks for Marlins All-Star left-hander Tanner Scott, who has not allowed an earned run since June 13 and is the most coveted closer on the market.
Scott’s former team, the AL East rival Orioles, is also one of five teams in the running to find a top closer who could be moved at the trade deadline.
The Phillies, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Mariners are also believed to be in contention for Scott.
Scott, who will be a free agent after this year, has posted an astounding 1.18 ERA and held opponents to a paltry .127 batting average — numbers that sound low for the final two-thirds of the Yankees’ lineup these days.
Yankees closer Clay Holmes was also selected to the All-Star team and has a solid overall stat line (2.88 ERA, 10 walks and 43 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings), but he’s been inconsistent lately and has been in slump mode that has coincided with Scott’s hot spells (and the Yankees’ struggles).
Since June 13, Holmes has a 7.14 ERA.
Holmes, who will be a free agent at the end of the year, is an above-average closer but has missed seven of 28 save opportunities.
Scott has only failed twice in 20 attempts, and he hasn’t failed recently.
Scott is striking out slightly more batters (53 in 45 2/3 innings) but the only issue is control.
He walked one batter every two innings for a total of 27 walks.
The Yankees and Orioles are among the teams most interested in a closer, with historically talented closer Craig Kimbrel having some issues recently.
The Diamondbacks have already acquired hard-hitting left-handed relief pitcher AJ Pack in a trade from the Marlins.
The Phillies are the best team in baseball and have a talented bullpen, but they don’t need much else.
Scott has been on the market for a few weeks now, but his value couldn’t be higher.
The Angels’ Carlos Estevez is the only other closer who is almost certain to be traded.
