The Philadelphia Phillies have made a significant offseason move, announcing the signing of elite reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year, $65 million deal. This addition addresses a critical need for the Phillies, whose bullpen faces uncertainty with the departure of key arms like Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez, both now free agents.
Tanner Scott, widely regarded as the top reliever on the market, brings a dynamic presence to the Phillies’ pitching staff. The hard-throwing lefty is coming off an exceptional season split between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. Over 72 appearances and 72 innings pitched, Scott posted a dominant 1.75 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and recorded 84 strikeouts, solidifying himself as one of the most reliable bullpen options in the league.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline praised the signing, noting Scott’s familiarity with NL East opponents and his ability to thrive in high-leverage situations. “Scott’s dominance last season and his experience facing the Phillies make this a no-brainer. He’s the type of arm that can lock down crucial games and stabilize the bullpen,” Kline wrote.
While the $15+ million annual salary for a closer may seem steep, Scott’s track record and potential impact justify the investment. The Phillies needed to address bullpen depth after experiencing inconsistency from their relievers during the 2024 season. Scott’s arrival ensures they’ll have a reliable closer who can anchor the late innings.
This signing also signals the Phillies’ commitment to contending in 2025. By adding Scott, Philadelphia strengthens its pitching staff while still exploring additional moves, including potential trades involving All-Stars like Alec Bohm or Nick Castellanos.
With Scott in the fold, the Phillies’ bullpen looks poised to handle the pressures of a postseason run. The signing is another bold step forward as the team builds toward its ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to Philadelphia.
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