New bullpen arms will be among the Boston Red Sox's highest priorities when the World Series passes and free agency begins.
The likely departures of Chris Martin and former closer Kenley Jansen put a particular emphasis on the late innings for Boston. Recently, Red Sox reporters Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive issued a bold free agency prediction that will excite Sox fans hoping for a new closer.
On the Oct. 8 installment of their podcast, "The Fenway Rundown," Cotillo and McAdam named Padres closer Tanner Scott as a potential free agent target for Boston. Scott began his season with the Marlins and was dished to San Diego at the deadline, where he became a key part of their postseason success.
Cotillo mentioned that "a high octane lefty reliever" could end up being Boston's biggest offseason addition. The 2024 Red Sox bullpen's monumental collapse was one of the worst the organization had seen in years, and if they hope to contend for the postseason next year, another such implosion must be prevented. An All-Star lefty closer and setup man could be just the solution.
Red Sox reporter Chris Cotillo suggests Red Sox should target closer Tanner Scott to bolster bullpen
Tanner Scott gets Shohei Ohtani looking! 😮💨
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 9, 2024
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The 30-year-old posted a 1.75 ERA over 72 innings with his two regular season teams. Scott clocked 84 strikeouts and 36 walks this season, the latter being the most glaring concern in the southpaw's body of work.
Scott's postseason outings serve as further proof that he can meet the moment when it counts. He did not allow a run over 4.1 innings across five appearances, one against the Braves and the rest against the Dodgers.
Scott will be a highly coveted free agent option this winter, which will drive up his price. If the Sox are interested in the lefty, they should act quickly to try and draw him to Boston for the next few seasons.