The New York Yankees started the season strong with Aaron Judge and new acquisition Juan Soto powering the offense. However, as the season progressed, the Yankees cooled off and the Baltimore Orioles overtook them in the AL East. Despite being a top-five team by record, New York is now three games behind the Orioles in the division.
Given their reputation, the Yankees will undoubtedly be active at the MLB trade deadline, with a focus on bolstering their bullpen. The primary target for New York is Miami Marlins’ reliever Tanner Scott.
A key factor in the Yankees’ recent struggles has been their bullpen. Through May 30, the Yankees’ bullpen ranked highly in several categories but has since plummeted. Injuries have compounded these issues, with several relievers, including Ian Hamilton and Cody Poteet, sidelined.
Adding a bullpen arm like Scott won’t solve all the Yankees’ problems, but it’s a crucial step toward stabilizing the team for a second-half push. Scott has been dominant for the Marlins, boasting a 1.42 ERA, 13 saves, and a 310 ERA+ in 37 appearances. His performance earned him an All-Star nod, but his talents are being wasted on a struggling Marlins team.
Although Scott’s contract is modest at $5.7 million, he’s set to become a free agent in 2025, making him a valuable but short-term addition for a contender. This reduces his trade value slightly, but for a team like the Yankees, who are focused on the current season, he’s a must-have.
Scott won’t command a return as substantial as other top pitchers, but he fits well with the Yankees’ needs. New York could offer their number five prospect, Everson Pereira, who has shown potential in Triple-A. Pereira, with his power and speed, could be a valuable addition for the Marlins, especially if they trade Jazz Chisholm as expected.
Given the Yankees’ outfield depth with Judge, Soto, and top prospects Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones, moving Pereira makes sense. If necessary, the Yankees could also include their seventh-ranked prospect, right-hander Will Warren, to secure Scott.
Acquiring Scott is crucial for the Yankees, not just to improve their bullpen but also to keep him away from division rivals like the Orioles. The risk of trading promising prospects is worth it for the Yankees, who need to break their slump and start winning. For the Marlins, trading Scott for young talent aligns with their long-term rebuilding strategy.