MLB Trade Deadline: Royals show interest in Tanner Scott, Yankees inch closer in trade talks
The MLB trade deadline is almost upon us and teams are making a few last-minute changes to their rosters as the regular season enters its final two months. The Miami Marlins are a team that is out of contention for the postseason and are looking to shed most of their payroll as they rebuild for the future.
One of their brightest stars has been closer Tanner Scott, who is all but certain to spend his second half away from Miami. A number of teams have shown interest in the 30-year-old but as per reports, two American League clubs are heavily invested in signing him, the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees.
The Royals have been looking to strengthen their bullpen for quite some time now and as per The Athletic, are looking at Tanner Scott. Their primary closer has been James McArthur who has been a little inconsistent this season, blowing five of the twenty-two available saves. His season stats aren't great as well, with an ERA of 4.91 in just 40.1 innings pitched.
The Yankees are also looking at Scott, as per The New York Post. They have a similar situation with Clay Holmes blowing hot and cold for the majority of the season. Even though he has 22 saves and an ERA of 2.88, the 31-year-old has a 7.14 ERA since June 13.
His lack of form was evident in the game against the Red Sox on Friday when Holmes and Luke Weaver combined for four earned runs in the bottom two frames.
Why trading Tanner Scott would suit the Marlins
Tanner Scott has been brilliant this season, earning just six runs in 44 games played and a 1.18 ERA. As a traditional closer, Scott has a strikeout rate of 29%. The 30-year-old is in the last year of his contract with the Marlins which saw him earn $5.7 million per year.
It was expected that with such performances Tanner Scott would be moving elsewhere when he hits free agency in the winter. Thus it would be in the best interests of the Marlins to trade him, especially when his trade value is the highest, to a club who could deal away strong prospects.