If NY Mets aren't willing to pay the Tanner Scott price, here's where they should turn

As the New York Mets look to bolster their bullpen, the cost of acquiring Tanner Scott may push them to explore alternative options. Enter Carlos Estévez, a dynamic right-handed reliever whose 2024 success with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies makes him an ideal setup man for Edwin Díaz—at a more affordable price.

Carlos Estévez's 2024 success

Carlos Estévez turned heads last season with his consistent performance. Between his time with the Angels and Phillies last season he posted a 2.45 ERA with 26 saves. Estévez has solidified himself as a top reliever in the game posting a 3.90 ERA with 31 saves in 2023 and a 3.47 ERA in 57 innings in 2022. Holding a career K/9 of 9.4 is exactly what the Mets need to secure the late innings with their bullpen.

The cost factor

One of the biggest advantages of targeting Estévez is his likely cost compared to Tanner Scott. While Scott’s 2023 and 2024 campaign has made him a hot commodity, his price tag may be prohibitive for a Mets team looking to address multiple needs. Estévez, on the other hand, presents a more cost-effective alternative without a significant drop-off in performance.

By signing Estévez, the Mets can allocate their financial resources more strategically. The money saved could be used to acquire an additional early-inning reliever or a lefty specialist, rounding out the bullpen and providing manager Carlos Mendoza and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner with more flexibility. This balanced approach ensures the Mets don’t overcommit to one player while still addressing critical areas of need.

The ideal setup for Edwin Díaz

Edwin Díaz, one of the game’s premier closers, thrives when paired with a dependable setup man who can bridge the gap between the starting rotation and the ninth inning. As seen in 2022 when Díaz had his best season, there was a steady back end of the bullpen with Adam Ottavino and Seth Lugo.

Flash forward to today, for the sake of my mental health I do not know how many more six out saves from Díaz I can take! Adding Estévez and his power pitching style and late-game experience make him the perfect candidate to handle the eighth inning, allowing Díaz to remain fresh and dominant.

Estévez’s presence could provide a stabilizing effect on the bullpen, which struggled more often than not in 2024. His ability to pitch multiple innings if needed adds another layer of value, making him a crucial asset in tight games.

If the Mets decide Tanner Scott’s asking price is too steep, Carlos Estévez offers an appealing alternative. His proven track record, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with Edwin Díaz make him a perfect fit for the Mets’ bullpen. By signing Estévez, the Mets can strengthen their late-inning options while maintaining the financial flexibility to address other roster needs, setting themselves up for a successful 2024 season.