Tanner Scott #66 of the San Diego Padres
As the 2023 season came to a close, the San Diego Padres were left lamenting their inability to make it past the National League Division Series (NLDS) despite bolstering their roster with significant moves. One of their key acquisitions during the season was Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott, whom they traded for in a deal that sent a significant haul of prospects to Miami. Scott immediately became a pivotal figure in the Padres’ bullpen, helping them manage tight games and playing a crucial role in trying to contain Shohei Ohtani during the postseason.
However, after falling short of their ultimate goal—the World Series—Scott’s time with the Padres may be short-lived. The hard-throwing lefty is now a free agent, and the Padres, struggling with payroll flexibility, may not have the resources to retain him.
Enter the Boston Red Sox, a team in need of a proven closer after the likely departure of Kenley Jansen, the future Hall of Famer who has been holding down the back end of Boston’s bullpen. According to FanSided’s Nick Villano, Tanner Scott could be the perfect replacement to anchor the Red Sox bullpen heading into 2024.
The Need for a Closer in Boston
Boston’s bullpen was one of the biggest question marks of the 2023 season, and as they enter the offseason, there’s one glaring need: a closer who can consistently shut the door in high-leverage situations. Kenley Jansen, who had been a stabilizing force for the Sox, will likely move on after his one-year contract expires. While Jansen has shown flashes of brilliance, his age (he’ll be 36 in 2024) and the Red Sox’s lack of championship aspirations this past year make it unlikely that the team would commit to him for the long haul.
In the wake of Jansen’s probable departure, Scott presents a tantalizing option. As Villano pointed out, Scott is a more-than-capable closer in his own right, having put together a stellar 2023 season in Miami. The left-hander has a fastball that routinely touches triple digits, paired with a devastating slider that makes him one of the most fearsome relievers in the game. His strikeout ability, paired with his composure in high-pressure moments, would make him an ideal fit for the Red Sox’s bullpen.
Scott’s Potential Fit with Boston
Tanner Scott’s move to Boston wouldn’t just be a one-to-one replacement for Jansen, though; it would be a major upgrade for the Red Sox’s bullpen. Scott’s ability to handle pressure is well-documented, and in the 2023 postseason with the Padres, he proved himself capable of pitching in big moments, including the NLDS matchup against the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers.
In addition to bolstering the back end of the bullpen, Scott’s arrival would signal a change in direction for the Red Sox. After a disappointing season in 2023, where they fell short of the playoffs, Boston’s front office knows they need to make impactful moves to catch up with the powerhouse teams in the American League East—namely the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. A strong bullpen could be the foundation of a bigger turnaround, and Scott’s arrival could be the first domino in what fans hope is a productive offseason.
Given that the Red Sox’s new ownership has shown a preference for cautious spending, Scott’s potential price tag could raise some eyebrows. But Villano makes a strong point: the Red Sox need star power, and Scott, a dynamic and reliable closer, would be a major acquisition that could shift the momentum in Boston’s favor. Not only would Scott provide a consistent and dominant option at the end of games, but he would also bring stability to a bullpen that was often in flux in 2023.
Looking Ahead
For Tanner Scott, moving to the Red Sox would present an exciting opportunity to take on a bigger role with a storied franchise in need of a new identity. Boston is a city that thrives on high expectations, and Scott’s competitive nature would be a natural fit in such an environment. The pressure of closing games in Fenway Park, with its passionate fanbase, would be a challenge Scott is more than equipped to handle.
For the Red Sox, acquiring Scott would signal the start of a more aggressive, well-rounded approach to building a championship contender. The team already boasts a strong lineup, and with a bolstered bullpen, they could finally challenge the Yankees and Orioles for supremacy in the AL East. This is a pivotal moment for the Red Sox organization, and securing Tanner Scott would be a massive first step.
As free agency heats up, Tanner Scott’s next destination remains to be seen—but don’t be surprised if he ends up in Boston, making an immediate impact as the team’s new closer.
Stay tuned as the Red Sox look to make their next big move this offseason.
