The New York Yankees lost out in the Juan Soto sweepstakes earlier this offseason as Soto bolted to sign a $765 million deal with the New York Mets. Since then, the Bronx Bombers have pivoted to a Soto backup plan.
This plan has included signing Paul Goldschmidt and Max Fried while also trading for Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams.
Rucker Haringey recently predicted the Yankees would sign top free agent closer Tanner Scott to finish off a perfect Soto backup plan this offseason. Scott is projected to sign a $54 million deal, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
“The Yankees bullpen still needs to add a lefty who can get hitters out in high-leverage situations,” Haringey wrote. “The organization has interest in bringing Tim Hill back into the fold, but that shouldn’t stop them from going after the best southpaw reliever available in free agency.
“Tanner Scott is that guy. The struggles he’s endured with control over the years have limited his effectiveness, but he made the All-Star team for the first time in 2024. He features a plus fastball and a sharp slider that allow him to get hitters on both sides of the plate out. That versatility will add to his price tag in free agency and his appeal to the Yankees.”
Scott would be a huge addition to the Yankees bullpen. It would provide a one-two punch at the end of the games that would shorten games in the Bronx. Scott and Williams would give the Yankees a lefty and a righty to close games down.
If general manager Brian Cashman can solve the hole at third base in an affordable way, spending a lot of money on Scott would be quite a great way to improve the roster.
