The Philadelphia Phillies have secured their first National League East division title in more than a decade.
While they’ve enjoyed deep postseason runs for the last two seasons in a row, this current roster feels like their most complete team yet. They set a franchise record by sending seven players to the All-Star game, the most of any team in Major League Baseball.
They have a batting order littered with star sluggers, one of the deepest rotations in baseball and a bullpen loaded with top-tier arms. But the relief corps might lose closer Carlos Estévez and All-Star setup man Jeff Hoffman after this season as both are poised to become free agents.
Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston predicted the team can reload by signing Tanner Scott, another 2024 All-Star reliever headed for free agency, if the Kansas City Royals are unable to beat them to it.
“Now, (Scott) figures to be a highly sought-after reliever in a league that needs as many quality bullpen pitchers as possible,” Beaston wrote. “Prediction: Scott signs with the Royals and if not, lands in Philly in a bit of a shocker.”
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of a deal to bring Scott to Philly would be the price tag. The Phillies are already on the hook for an MLB-leading $222.7 million payroll in 2025 and Spotrac projects that Scott has a market value of $63.2 million over four years.
The southpaw has enjoyed a career season with a 1.51 ERA, 84 strikeouts and 22 saves in 71 games so far this season. He was acquired by the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline and has been a big factor in their surge toward the playoffs.
As a perennial championship contender, the Phillies should have interest in any arm that can reinforce their bullpen, particularly if it sees the departure of some high-leverage hurlers in the offseason. That’s likely why the team has been linked to Scott for some time now.
“Pair Scott with the Orioles’ Craig Kimbrel, Yankees’ Clay Holmes or Dodgers’ Evan Phillips, and each of those clubs would become more formidable in the late innings,” The Athletic’s MLB Staff reported at mid-season. “Ditto for the Phillies, who already boast multiple ninth-inning options, and could use Scott in tandem with lefty José Alvarado.”
After opting not to trade for Scott this year, the Phillies might target him as a free-agent acquisition in the winter, assuming another team doesn’t scoop him up first.
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