In a move that signals the Boston Red Sox are committed to returning to playoff contention in 2024, the team has signed All-Star left-handed reliever Tanner Scott to a lucrative multi-year deal worth over $50 million. The blockbuster signing, which took place just before the start of the Winter Meetings, marks a bold step toward solidifying the bullpen and filling one of the most critical gaps for Boston in the coming season.
Scott, 29, has spent the last few years as one of the most reliable and hard-throwing relievers in Major League Baseball. Known for his electric fastball and devastating slider, the southpaw has established himself as one of the top left-handed bullpen arms in the game, and his acquisition is expected to provide the Red Sox with a significant boost as they aim to compete with the heavyweights in the American League East.
A Record-Breaking Contract for Scott
The terms of the deal, which are reportedly worth $54 million over four years, with an opt-out after two seasons, make Scott one of the highest-paid relievers in the league. The contract also includes performance incentives, which could increase the overall value depending on Scott’s performance over the course of the deal. This makes him the centerpiece of a revamped bullpen, where manager Alex Cora and his staff are eager to harness Scott’s talent and make him a key late-inning weapon.
The deal reflects the Red Sox’s aggressive approach this offseason, as the team is coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw them finish in the middle of the pack in the AL East, far from a postseason berth. While they have made several notable acquisitions, signing Scott signals their clear intent to strengthen the bullpen, a key weakness last season.
“I’ve always believed that a great bullpen is crucial to success, especially in the postseason,” said Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom in a statement following the signing. “Tanner brings not only exceptional talent but also experience and toughness to the mound. His ability to get big outs in high-leverage situations will be a major asset for us.”
Tanner Scott’s Dominance on the Mound
The signing of Scott brings an array of weapons to the Red Sox bullpen. Over his six-year MLB career, Scott has become known for his impressive strikeout rates and his ability to get out of jams. Last season with the Miami Marlins, he posted a career-high 97 strikeouts in just 65.1 innings of work, finishing with a 3.00 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. His 14.5 strikeouts per nine innings ranked among the best in the league for relievers, a testament to his overpowering stuff.
Scott’s fastball regularly touches 98-99 mph, and his slider, a pitch that generates whiffs at an elite rate, is often a game-changer for opposing hitters. His stuff makes him an ideal candidate for high-leverage situations, and with the Red Sox likely to need him in the late innings, Scott’s versatility and ability to handle pressure will prove to be vital.
Having Scott in the bullpen also provides an insurance policy for closer Kenley Jansen, who will be entering his second year with Boston. While Jansen remains one of the top closers in the game, the addition of Scott gives the Red Sox flexibility in the late innings, especially in matchups where a left-handed pitcher is essential. This depth in the bullpen could give Boston an edge over other AL East rivals, including the Yankees and Rays, who have historically built their teams with strong pitching staffs.
A Critical Move in the AL East Arms Race
The Red Sox’s decision to bolster their bullpen comes as the AL East arms race continues to heat up. With the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays also making significant moves to improve their pitching staffs, Boston needed to act quickly to ensure they stay competitive in one of the toughest divisions in baseball.
“Boston is a team with a proud history and passionate fanbase, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Scott said in his introductory press conference. “I’ve faced these guys many times, and I know how passionate they are. It’s exciting to join this club, and I’m looking forward to contributing to our success.”
Scott’s signing also gives the Red Sox a much-needed left-handed presence in the bullpen, something they’ve been lacking in recent years. While they have experimented with lefty options in the past, none have been able to provide the consistency that Scott has shown in his career.
Looking Ahead to 2024
The Red Sox’s acquisition of Tanner Scott should be viewed as just one piece of a larger puzzle. The team is likely to continue adding to their roster in other areas, with a potential focus on improving the starting rotation and acquiring more offensive firepower. However, by locking down one of the top bullpen arms available in free agency, they’ve addressed one of their most pressing needs and taken a crucial step toward re-establishing themselves as contenders.
With Scott now in the fold, the Red Sox’s bullpen has a new look, and they will rely on him to be a key contributor in the months ahead. In a division as competitive as the AL East, having a lockdown reliever like Scott could be the difference between competing for a playoff spot and falling short once again.
The Red Sox are hoping Scott’s presence will help take them over the top in 2024 and beyond.
Leave a Reply