Committed to: MLB Insider Predicts Tanner Scott to Lead with a Potential $64M Deal as Offseason Rolls Along…

Committed to: MLB Insider Predicts Tanner Scott to Lead with a Potential $64M Deal as Offseason Rolls Along

As the MLB offseason continues, attention is shifting toward the reliever market. Historically, relief pitchers have garnered significant interest due to their key role in closing games, bridging innings, and maintaining leads. This year, one name has emerged as a potential leader in terms of both performance and contract value: Tanner Scott. According to a prominent MLB insider, Scott is poised to land a massive deal in the range of $64 million, making him one of the top earners in free agency this winter.

The State of the Reliever Market

Relief pitchers are often underappreciated compared to starting pitchers, but in recent years, they have become integral to a team’s success, particularly in the high-leverage moments of postseason baseball. With bullpen usage evolving, teams now rely on multiple relievers per game, especially during the playoffs. This shift has led to an increased demand for high-quality, reliable arms out of the bullpen.

In the 2025 offseason, the free-agent reliever market includes a mix of established veterans and emerging stars. While many of the top names on the market, such as Aroldis Chapman, Craig Kimbrel, and David Robertson, are entering the twilight of their careers, others—like Tanner Scott—are in the prime of their careers, making them incredibly appealing to teams looking to shore up their bullpens for the long term.

Tanner Scott’s Career Trajectory

Tanner Scott, 29, is a left-handed reliever who has played his entire career with the Miami Marlins. Over the past few seasons, he has developed into one of the most dominant bullpen arms in Major League Baseball. In 2024, Scott posted career-best numbers in key areas such as strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP, earning recognition as one of the top left-handed relievers in the game.

Scott’s fastball is his signature pitch, consistently reaching the upper 90s with velocity that rivals the best in the business. His slider, which sits in the mid-80s, complements the fastball with its sharp break, making it an effective out-pitch against both right- and left-handed hitters. His ability to generate swings and misses with both offerings is a major reason for his success, with his strikeout rate ranking among the highest in MLB.

Moreover, Scott has consistently demonstrated the ability to handle high-leverage situations, a trait that is highly coveted by teams looking for reliable relievers to close games or get key outs in tight situations. His durability has also been a factor in his rising value, as he has been able to maintain a high level of performance over the course of a full season.

Why Tanner Scott Could Command $64 Million

The prediction that Tanner Scott could secure a $64 million deal in free agency reflects the growing trend of teams investing heavily in bullpen talent. Several factors contribute to Scott’s potential for a lucrative contract.

1. Elite Strikeout Ability

One of the most attractive aspects of Scott’s game is his ability to generate strikeouts. In a game where high-strikeout relievers are increasingly valued, Scott fits the mold perfectly. His strikeout rate has consistently been above 30% over the past few seasons, placing him in the upper echelon of relievers in terms of punchouts. Teams that prioritize strikeouts in their bullpen, especially those with playoff aspirations, are likely to see Scott as an essential piece to their pitching staff.

2. Effectiveness Against Left-Handed Hitters

Left-handed relievers are always in demand, but Scott’s performance against left-handed hitters specifically sets him apart. His ability to neutralize lefties with his fastball and slider makes him an even more appealing option for teams needing a southpaw to get tough outs in critical situations. In an era where matchups are everything, Scott’s ability to dominate both lefties and righties gives him a significant edge over many of his counterparts.

3. Increasing Reliever Salaries

The market for relievers has risen steadily in recent years, driven in part by the increasing reliance on bullpens and the heightened importance of closing games. For instance, in 2023, several top relievers—such as Edwin Díaz, Josh Hader, and Kenley Jansen—secured multi-year contracts worth between $50 million and $70 million. As teams continue to value bullpen arms more, Scott’s success and age position him to follow in these footsteps, especially given the strong demand for proven relievers.

4. The Potential for Multi-Year Deals

Scott’s track record of success, combined with his age and the volatility inherent in bullpen arms, makes him a prime candidate for a multi-year contract. Teams are increasingly looking for stability in their bullpens, and securing a high-quality arm like Scott for the long term would give them a reliable late-inning presence for several seasons. A deal in the $64 million range could likely be spread out over four to five years, which would make it even more palatable for teams looking to avoid the volatility of short-term contracts.

5. Fit with Contending Teams

Scott’s ability to perform in high-leverage situations makes him a perfect fit for teams with championship aspirations. Clubs that are on the verge of postseason contention or are looking to bolster their bullpens for a playoff run are likely to be at the forefront of the bidding for Scott’s services. Teams like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Houston Astros, who are known for their deep pockets and championship windows, could be major players in the market for Scott, potentially driving up his value.

The Competition

While Scott is expected to be one of the top relievers on the market, he will face competition from several other prominent names. Lefty relievers such as Matt Moore and Andrew Chafin are also free agents, as are right-handers like Josh Hader and Rafael Montero. These pitchers bring their own strengths to the table, but none quite match Scott’s combination of dominance, youth, and versatility.

Moreover, teams will also be looking at other factors such as health, contract length, and financial flexibility when making decisions about whom to pursue. However, Scott’s proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations, combined with his advanced metrics, make him one of the most sought-after arms in the free-agent market.

Conclusion

As the 2025 MLB offseason continues to unfold, Tanner Scott stands poised to land a major contract, with a $64 million deal on the horizon. His combination of elite strikeout ability, dominance against left-handed hitters, and proven performance in high-leverage situations makes him one of the top targets for teams looking to strengthen their bullpens. As the demand for bullpen help continues to rise, expect Scott to be at the forefront of the relief pitching market, commanding top dollar and solidifying his place among the league’s premier relievers.