The New York Yankees were actively looking to improve the bullpen at the trade deadline, and they reportedly almost landed an All-Star closer.
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Yankees made an attempt to acquire former Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott before the trade deadline.
However, it seems the Yankees balked at the price, which included one of their most coveted prospects.
"Though the Yankees did try for Scott, a Marlins request was deemed too much (it included Miami product George Lombard Jr.)," Heyman wrote.
Adding Scott to the bullpen would have been a massive get for the Yankees, especially considering the issues they've been dealing with pertaining to Clay Holmes.
Lombard, a 2023 first-round pick, is one of the top prospects in the Yankees organization — they most recently promoted him to High-A to finish out the 2024 season.
Even though Anthony Volpe is currently the starter and potentially the future at the shortstop position in The Bronx, having a prospect like Lombard as insurance is always a good idea.
But the Yankees also need to win now. Their bullpen has been shaky for the better part of the last three months, and the acquisitions they did make at the deadline have struggled.
The Yankees designated Enyel De Los Santos for assignment just a few weeks after acquiring him. Meanwhile, Mark Leiter Jr. has a 5.79 ERA since joining the Yankees and has allowed an earned run in 8-of-15 appearances.
Scott was eventually traded to the San Diego Padres where he's recorded a 2.25 ERA in 17 games.
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