In a bold move before the MLB trade deadline, the San Diego Padres have successfully acquired Tanner Scott, widely considered the best available relief pitcher. The Miami Marlins dealt their standout left-handed closer, who boasts an impressive record of 18 saves out of 20 opportunities and a stellar 1.18 ERA.
The Padres won the competition for Scott, along with Bryan Hoeing, providing a significant haul of prospects in return: Robby Snelling, Adam Mazur, Jay Beshears, and Graham Pauley.
At 30 years old, Scott has accumulated 50 saves over the past three seasons with the Marlins and even made an appearance at the All-Star Game this year. With a $5.7 million salary after winning his arbitration case, Scott is set to become a free agent after this season, increasing the stakes for the Padres.
Currently, San Diego is riding a wave of success, going 7-2 since the All-Star break, which places their record at 57-51. They’re 6.5 games back from the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and in tight contention for three Wild Card spots alongside the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves.
While the trade might seem like an overreach in terms of prospects given the market’s competitive nature this year, the Padres are strategically bolstering their bullpen. With few teams eager to trade away top talent, they are zeroing in on improving their late-game performance.
Additionally, San Diego recently acquired right-handed reliever Jason Adam from the Tampa Bay Rays to further enhance their bullpen strength.
#Marlins will get the following in return for Tanner Scott and RHP Bryan Hoeing: LHP Robby Snelling, RHP Adam Mazur, INF Graham Pauley and INF Jay Beshears@Feinsand
— Christina De Nicola (@CDeNicola13) July 30, 2024
With this latest acquisition, the Padres are on track to build one of the top bullpens in the National League, joining forces with established closer Robert Suarez, who has delivered a 1.51 ERA with 23 saves out of 26 attempts, solidifying their late-game strategy.