Are the Atlanta Braves simply waiting to make a huge move?
So far this winter, the rest of the National League has been busy assembling formidable rosters, while the Braves have essentially sat on their hands. They’re sure that if their roster stays healthy, it will outperform last year, but there are still some leaks to patch.
No team can have enough bullpen help, and the Braves quietly struggled in tight games last year. Aside from closer Raisel Iglesias, who had an outstanding 34 save season, the majority of the Braves’ high-leverage arms failed in one-run and tied games.
Could they transform their fortunes in 2024 with a blockbuster signing?
Tanner Scott, the 2024 All-Star closer, would be an excellent fit for the Braves–or any team searching for bullpen relief. In a recent YouTube video, content creator Robbie Hyde projected Scott’s signing in Atlanta this winter.
“For years, the Braves had A.J. Minter, but since he’s a free agent now, they could use another high-leverage lefty at the back end of their bullpen,” Hyde said. “Tanner Scott has been one of the best relievers in the game for a couple of years now.”
“He would be a massive addition for this Braves bullpen, which only ranked 22nd in high-leverage situations this past year.”
Scott, 30, has a 1.75 ERA in 72 innings combined for the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres in season. Over the last two seasons, he has a 2.04 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 150 innings.
It also wouldn’t hurt to have Scott around for a few seasons, as Iglesias will become a free agency at the end of the 2025 season.
According to Tim Britton of The Athletic, Scott is expected to sign a four-year, $64 million contract, which is slightly higher than Iglesias’ previous $58 million agreement with the Los Angeles Angels. If the Braves can bear having both of them on the payroll for a year, their bullpen may be historically dominating.
