The Atlanta Braves might have a big move brewing in their bullpen plans, and Tanner Scott, a left-handed reliever who’s been turning heads, is at the center of it.
According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, the Braves are seriously eyeing Scott, a free agent who could be the solution to their need for a dominant late-inning arm.
Why Tanner Scott is the Right Fit for the Braves
For some time, O’Brien has been beating the drum for Scott as a strong candidate to strengthen the Braves bullpen.
Last week, he pointed out that Scott fits a glaring need for Atlanta, who are looking for reliable left-handed options in high-leverage situations.
The buzz around Scott lit up when O’Brien referenced contract projections for the reliever on social media, suggesting that the market might even outpace initial estimates.
The Cost of Adding Scott For the Braves
Tim Britton of The Athletic originally projected a four-year, $64 million deal for Scott in November, while MLB Trade Rumors predicted a slightly lower four-year, $56 million contract.
O’Brien noted that the way the free-agent market has unfolded, Britton’s figure might actually come up short. When a fan asked O’Brien if this focus on Scott’s contract implied interest from the Braves, O’Brien confirmed it outright with a simple “yes.”
It’s easy to see why the team would be intrigued. Scott is coming off a stellar season split between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, boasting a 1.75 ERA over 72 appearances.
He racked up 22 saves, a 1.12 WHIP, and 84 strikeouts across 72 innings, proving his reliability in late-inning situations. Of those appearances, 67 came in the seventh inning or later, locking in his role as a shutdown reliever.
A Smart Backup Plan if Other Moves Fall Through
Adding Scott would give Atlanta another closer option and solidify their bullpen for the high-stakes games that define postseason runs. However, he won’t come cheap. The Braves do have high spending tendencies which make this possible.
If Britton’s projection holds, Scott’s $16 million annual salary could push the Braves deeper into luxury tax territory—a financial move the team has indicated they’re willing to make but might want to approach cautiously. The Braves still have holes to fill in the rotation and outfield, which could complicate prioritizing a high-end bullpen signing.
Even with the price tag, Scott’s addition could be a game-changer. If other moves for starters or outfielders don’t materialize, bolstering the bullpen with a proven arm like Scott might be the smartest path forward for a Braves team with its sights set on another World Series run.
