If the New York Mets Aren’t Willing to Pay the Tanner Scott Price, Here’s Where They Should Turn
The New York Mets have been a team in flux over the past few seasons. From major roster moves to changes in management, the club has struggled to find a consistent formula for success.
One area that has remained a focal point for improvement is the bullpen. With a hefty payroll and ownership eager to win, it’s clear that the Mets are looking to solidify their pitching staff and compete for a championship.
However, if the Mets are not willing to meet the price tag that comes with acquiring a player like left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, they will need to pivot and explore alternative avenues.
Scott, who has emerged as a reliable late-inning arm for the Miami Marlins, is known for his high strikeout rate and ability to shut down left-handed hitters. As a result, he is seen as one of the top bullpen options on the market. The cost of acquiring a player like Scott, however, could be steep. Given the limited availability of top-tier relievers and the ongoing demand for bullpen help, the Mets may need to look for other solutions.
So, where should the Mets turn if they are unwilling to pay the Tanner Scott price? Here are some options for the team to consider.
1. Free Agent Market: Cost-Effective Bullpen Options
One avenue the Mets could explore is the free agent market. While marquee names like Scott may come with a hefty price tag, there are several cost-effective bullpen options that could bolster the Mets’ relief corps without breaking the bank. These players may not carry the same high profile as Scott, but they could still make a significant impact.
Andrew Chafin – A veteran left-hander, Chafin has been a solid performer in the bullpen for several years.
He is known for his ability to get left-handed batters out and can be an excellent setup man or situational reliever.
Chafin’s performance has been consistent, and his cost may be more manageable than Scott’s, making him a potential option for the Mets.
Matt Moore – Another lefty, Moore has reinvented himself as a reliable bullpen arm after struggling as a starting pitcher.
His fastball has regained velocity, and he’s proven effective in high-leverage situations. Moore could be a valuable addition to the Mets’ bullpen at a lower price point compared to some of the higher-profile trade targets.
Zach Britton – Though he’s dealt with injury issues in recent years, Britton still has the potential to be a dominant left-handed reliever when healthy. If the Mets can sign him to a short-term, incentive-laden deal, Britton could provide a solid lefty option for the bullpen, especially if he can recapture his All-Star form from earlier in his career.
These types of relievers may not come with the same upside as Tanner Scott, but they offer experience and a track record of success, which could help stabilize the Mets’ bullpen.
2. Trade for a Low-Cost, High-Upside Reliever
If the Mets are unwilling to pay the premium price for Scott, they could look for a trade that allows them to acquire a cost-controlled reliever with upside.
While the top-tier bullpen arms like Scott are expensive, there are always relievers who may be available at a lower cost due to team needs, contract situations, or performance inconsistencies.
Kyle Finnegan (Washington Nationals) – Finnegan is a closer for the Nationals who has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with consistency. He has a strong fastball and can generate strikeouts, but his control can sometimes get in the way. The Nationals are in a rebuilding phase, and Finnegan could be available at a reasonable price.
With the right coaching, he could thrive in a high-leverage role for the Mets.
Joe Jiménez (Detroit Tigers) – Jiménez has been a reliable reliever for the Tigers, showcasing a fastball and slider combination that can dominate hitters. He is under team control for a few more seasons, making him an attractive option for the Mets if they are willing to part with a prospect or two.
While Jiménez’s numbers have been solid, he is still somewhat undervalued, making him an intriguing trade candidate.
Luis García (Houston Astros) – García is another reliever who could be available due to a surplus in Houston’s bullpen.
He has electric stuff and has been a valuable part of the Astros’ bullpen, but with Houston potentially looking to upgrade other areas of their roster, García could be dealt. A trade for García would give the Mets a younger arm with the potential to improve, while still being affordable.
Acquiring a low-cost, high-upside reliever via trade is always a bit of a gamble, but it could be a smart move for the Mets if they want to avoid spending big on a player like Scott.
3. Promote from Within
Another option the Mets could explore is promoting relievers from within their own system.
Over the past few seasons, the Mets have developed several promising young arms who could contribute at the major league level.
While this option may carry some risk, it could also provide long-term value if the Mets are able to successfully integrate young talent into their bullpen.
David Peterson – Though Peterson is primarily known as a starting pitcher, he has experience as a reliever in the past and could provide a left-handed option out of the bullpen.
He has a solid fastball and changeup, and with his experience at the major league level, he could be a cost-effective alternative to a high-priced veteran.
Jeurys Familia (if re-signed) – Familia is a familiar face in New York, having been a key part of the Mets’ bullpen for years.
If the team is willing to bring him back on a short-term deal, he could provide value as a veteran presence in the late innings.
While his best years are behind him, Familia could still be a reliable piece of the bullpen in a low-leverage or setup role.
Other Internal Options – Players like Brooks Raley, Grant Hartwig, and even some of the Mets’ minor league pitchers may be ready to contribute.
While they may not carry the same immediate impact as established veterans, they could surprise and develop into key contributors, saving the team money and offering long-term potential.
4. Focus on Controlling the Strike Zone
If the Mets are unwilling to commit significant resources to acquiring a left-handed reliever like Tanner Scott, one way to compensate for any bullpen deficiencies is by focusing on controlling the strike zone. Adding pitchers who excel at limiting walks and pounding the strike zone can help mitigate the need for a top-tier strikeout reliever.
By prioritizing pitchers who have command of the zone, such as pitchers who generate ground balls or are efficient with their pitch counts, the Mets can minimize the need for a high-K reliever to get out of jams. This could be an alternative strategy to making a splash in the bullpen market and could help the team strengthen their overall pitching depth.
Conclusion
While acquiring Tanner Scott would undoubtedly improve the Mets’ bullpen, it’s not the only option available to them.
Whether they look to free agency, explore trade opportunities, promote from within, or focus on improving command in their relief corps, the Mets have multiple avenues to pursue in order to strengthen their bullpen without paying the steep price for a player like Scott. In the highly competitive world of baseball, finding value in lesser-known options could be just as rewarding as making a big splash. With the right combination of strategic moves, the Mets can position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond.
