The Tanner Scott signing is worth our jealousy
The Mets showed some interest in Tanner Scott prior to signing with the Dodgers. If the Mets had landed Scott, they would have had one of the best 8th/9th inning duos in the sport, as he would have teamed up with former all-star closer Edwin Diaz to lock games down. However, Scott ended up signing a four-year contract worth $72 million with the Dodgers. If there’s one Dodgers move the Dodgers made that Mets fans should be upset about, it’s taking Scott away.
Scott followed up his breakout 2023 campaign with another strong season, where he had a 1.75 ERA, 2.92 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP in 72 innings with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. Scott struck out 28.6% of opponents and was elite at limiting hard contact. His 84.3 MPH exit velocity was in the 100th percentile of pitchers, while his 4.3% barrel rate was in the 92nd percentile. It is the second straight season he has been above the 90th percentile of both stats, and the third straight, he was above the 90th percentile of exit velo. This helped him hold opponents to an HR/9 of 0.38. Scott did struggle to limit walks, however, with a 12.2% BB%, but that’s the only blemish on his season.
Scott has established himself as a top-five reliever in the sport now. Since 2023, he ranks 4th in reliever ERA, 5th in FIP, and 1st in fWAR. Scott has pitched over 70 innings the last two seasons as well, totaling 150 frames. That is the 4th most among relievers. Scott ranks 4th in exit velocity and 10th in barrel rate as well. His 134 Stuff+ mark is also the 4th best in baseball, with no other lefty reliever surpassing him.
Although the Mets eventually got their guy in A.J. Minter, Scott has been by far the best lefty reliever in the league. Having this sort of force in the back of the Mets’ bullpen would have been deadly. The Mets would have won nearly any close game after the 7th inning had they signed Scott. On top of that, the Mets could have likely afforded both Scott and Minter.