January 14, 2025
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The Philadelphia Phillies have most of their roster settled, but the back end of their bullpen remains a work in progress.

With Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez still available on the free-agent market, the Phillies currently lack a definitive closer and setup man. Although new signing Jordan Romano is a two-time All-Star, he’s coming off a difficult 2024 season marred by injury and underperformance.

Could the Phillies enter the season with their current bullpen? It’s possible, but not ideal. The more plausible outcome is that, like other contenders, they’ll pursue an additional high-leverage reliever before the season begins.

The best reliever available right now is Tanner Scott, the 2024 All-Star who posted a combined 1.75 ERA with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. After two dominant seasons, Scott is poised to secure the biggest relief-pitching contract of the offseason.

Earlier this week, Erik Kratz of Foul Territory predicted that the Phillies would sign Scott, providing them with the bullpen arm they need to strengthen their position in the highly competitive National League East.

“I think Tanner Scott fills a need the Phillies still have,” Kratz said. “They need a closer, and he’s the best free-agent closer out there. He knows the division and will thrive there.”

Since the start of 2023, the 30-year-old Scott has posted a solid 2.04 ERA over 150 innings, striking out 188 batters. His control issues from earlier in his career seem to be behind him, which is reflected in both his statistics and his impending payday.

The Athletic projected Scott for a four-year, $64 million deal earlier this offseason, though he may be aiming for even more. He’s set to be the highest-paid reliever of the winter, and the Phillies could very well be in the mix.

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