Tanner Scott is widely considered the top free-agent reliever available this offseason and is likely to leave San Diego in search of a new opportunity. Scott was a key target at the trade deadline and is expected to be the most sought-after reliever in free agency. As the top left-handed option on the market, his value is unmatched.
Now a free agent, Scott is set to secure a hefty contract. Spotrac forecasts a four-year, $65 million deal for the 30-year-old. While San Diego remains a potential landing spot due to how highly they valued him in the trade, other teams are also in the mix.
Multiple baseball insiders have mentioned the Texas Rangers as a possible destination for Scott. For example, The Athletic’s Andy McCullough named him as a top free-agent target for the Rangers. McCullough noted that Texas, with most of its 2023 championship team still in place and Jacob deGrom returning to full strength, could have room for a player like Scott.
Scott has been one of the most valuable relievers in baseball over the past two seasons, according to FanGraphs. He dominated in the postseason, particularly against Shohei Ohtani, and can serve as either a closer or a late-inning fireman. For a team looking to make another playoff run, he’s a perfect fit.
In 2024, Scott earned his first All-Star selection while playing for both the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres. He posted a dominant 1.75 ERA with 22 saves and 84 strikeouts across 62.2 innings, cementing his status as one of the top relievers in the league. He also ranked in the 92nd percentile with a 32.7% whiff rate and led the league in average exit velocity, placing him in the 100th percentile at 84.3 mph.
