The New York Mets have already secured a major victory in the race for this winter’s most sought-after free agent, and they may not be stopping there.
After outbidding teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox to sign superstar slugger Juan Soto, the Mets have positioned themselves as a dominant force in Major League Baseball for the foreseeable future. However, they’ll need to win more key battles if they are to establish a true World Series dynasty.
Zachary Rotman of FanSided reported that the Mets are preparing for a free-agent showdown with the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers as both teams chase free-agent closer Tanner Scott.
“Another bidding war between these National League rivals could be on the horizon, as the Mets have reportedly shown interest in reliever Tanner Scott, a player the Dodgers have been heavily linked to this offseason,” Rotman wrote. “Scott is widely regarded as the top reliever available, and his addition could play a key role in shaping the outcome of a potential postseason rematch.”
During his All-Star 2024 season, Tanner Scott posted a stellar 1.75 ERA with 22 saves and 84 strikeouts over 72 innings, splitting time between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. Given his outstanding performance, Spotrac projects Scott to land a four-year, $65 million deal this offseason.
As one of the best closers available, Scott would be a valuable asset for any contending team, and the outcome of this bidding war could hinge on which team values him most. The Dodgers boasted one of the league’s best bullpen ERAs in 2024 at 3.53, while the Mets were more average at 3.93.
For the Dodgers, Scott would likely step into the closer role, replacing Evan Phillips, who led the team with 18 saves last season. The Mets, however, already have closer Edwin Díaz, whose struggles in 2024 could make Scott a more reliable option in the ninth inning. However, with Díaz tied to a hefty $102 million contract, he may still have the upper hand in keeping the closer role.
Regardless of who ends up with Scott, his addition could provide a decisive edge in a potential postseason matchup.
“As much as the Mets would still face challenges against Los Angeles, having both Scott and Díaz in the bullpen would make them a formidable opponent, especially with a lead after the sixth or seventh inning,” Rotman observed. “On the other hand, if the Dodgers secure Scott, their bullpen would be even more dominant, making them even tougher to beat.”
After making a splash by signing Juan Soto away from the Yankees, the Mets could make another bold statement by poaching Scott from the Dodgers.