The Boston Red Sox, historically known for making bold moves in the pursuit of high-caliber players, were reportedly hesitant in their pursuit of reliever Tanner Scott, a left-handed pitcher who has made a significant impact with the Miami Marlins. The Sox’s reported wariness stems from various factors that could impact the decision-making process when it comes to adding Scott to their bullpen.
Scott, who debuted in 2018 and established himself as a key figure in Miami’s bullpen, has a fastball that touches triple digits and a slider that generates plenty of swing-and-miss. These qualities made him an attractive trade candidate for many teams, including the Red Sox, who were looking to bolster their pitching staff. However, Boston’s reluctance to fully commit to the acquisition is tied to several concerns related to Scott’s consistency and the overall fit within their bullpen.
One major issue with Scott’s profile is his control. While his electric stuff makes him a potential game-changer, he has struggled with his command throughout his career. In 2024, for instance, Scott posted a strikeout rate of 12.3 per 9 innings, but also recorded a walk rate of 5.4 per 9, which is higher than what many teams would consider ideal for a reliever. The inability to consistently command the strike zone can be a significant concern, particularly for a team like the Red Sox, who have experienced bullpen struggles in recent seasons.
The Red Sox have already dealt with their own share of bullpen issues, making it more difficult for them to justify adding a pitcher with command issues, no matter how dominant his raw stuff might be. A bullpen that has historically been a weakness for Boston could see more volatility with the addition of a high-risk, high-reward arm like Scott, especially if his command issues persist or worsen.
Another concern lies in Scott’s inconsistency. While he’s had stretches of dominance, he has also been prone to struggles in high-leverage situations. His performance in key moments has been inconsistent, and teams like the Red Sox, who are looking for bullpen pieces to close out tight games in the postseason, often prefer relievers with a proven track record of success in these scenarios.
Additionally, there were rumors that Scott’s fit with the Red Sox’s organizational culture and pitching development philosophy may have been another reason for their hesitation. Boston has a strong focus on refining pitchers’ command and mechanics, and Scott’s erratic control could present challenges when it comes to the Red Sox’s coaching staff trying to maximize his potential.
Despite these concerns, Scott is undoubtedly a talented pitcher who, when on his game, can be a key asset in a major league bullpen. His fastball-slider combination is tough to beat, and with the right adjustments, he could thrive in a new environment. However, the Red Sox’s reluctance to commit fully to a trade suggests that they are looking for a more reliable, consistent option to help stabilize their bullpen.
In the end, the Red Sox’s cautious approach to pursuing Tanner Scott may simply reflect a broader organizational philosophy of minimizing risk and focusing on acquiring pieces that offer more stability and long-term potential, especially given their recent history with bullpen struggles. This approach may have steered them away from a high-risk acquisition like Scott, even if his upside is evident.
