New York Yankees might be after a Miami Marlins pitcher

The New York Yankees are naturally considering bullpen help this season. The Bronx Bombers are specifically focused on Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott. As The Fish are hoping for some improvements this season and building up the farm system, it seems likely that a sell-off will continue this Summer.

Is Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott Bronx bound at the Trade Deadline?

Tanner Scott was the best relief pitcher in the game last season. This isn't an exaggeration or wishful thinking either. The closer led all relief pitchers in WAR with 3.6, he dominated with a 2.31 ERA/2.17 FIP, with 12.0 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9, in 74 games and 78.0 innings pitched. He took over the closer's role and accumulated 12 saves in the process.

It makes sense that with the Miami Marlins likely missing the playoffs this season, that The Fish would be expected to continue selling off players. Tanner Scott as a free agent after the season, immediately stands out as a trade target. He's not as dominant as he was last season, but is still currently worth 1.1 WAR. He actually has a better ERA with 1.80, but has an alarmingly high 4.39 FIP. His K/9 went down to a still strong 9.5 K/9. His walk rate however is a terrible 8.1 BB/9. Scott actually had control issues throughout his career. He has a career 5.2 BB/9 rate.

The New York Yankees probably wouldn't be looking at Scott as a closing candidate. The have the better Clay Holmes closing games for them instead. Holmes has an impressive 1.74 ERA/2.08 FIP, with 10.0 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9, in 21 games and 20.2 innings pitched. Holmes is worth less WAR than Scott (0.6), but is still the better pitcher. Scott would likely be setting up Holmes upon a hypothetical trade going through.

What could the Miami Marlins get for Tanner Scott? Looking at the list of their top prospects, OF Everson Pereira stands out. He's already 23 and is ready for the Majors. He wasn't great in his call-up last season (.151/.233/.194) but can always improve this season. The key for The Fish is to get some good ready for the Majors young players.