While everyone expects the Braves to add an outfielder, they’ve been mostly connected to pitchers.
They were reportedly finalists for Garrett Crochet before he was traded. They’ve also been linked to Walker Buehler, Carlos Estevez, and Tanner Scott, the last of which the Braves are reportedly competing with the Dodgers for, according to Jon Morosi on MLB Network
“Interestingly, there was one team mentioned that we weren’t necessarily expecting to be a heavy player in the relief market, that being the Atlanta Braves. David O’Brien reported in The Athletic recently the Braves have had some interest in Tanner Scott. And it also feels to me like the Los Angeles Dodgers could make one more big-time splash. Maybe that would be one area where they go to add a Tanner Scott from their division rival San Diego Padres.
“We’ve talked about the Padres probably not having enough financial flexibility to add Scott unless they trade someone else, like potentially Dylan Cease. We have heard a bit about Jack Flaherty and the Padres too.
“I tend to think Tanner Scott has to be that first significant domino to fall among the available relievers still out there.”
David O’Brien of the Athletic originally said Atlanta had an interest in Tanner Scott.
“The Athletic’s Tim Britton projected a 4-year, $64M deal for FA lefty reliever Tanner Scott back in early November, and at that time MLBTR predicted 4 yrs., $56M for Scott. The way the market’s gone, I’d say Britton’s projection will be closer and still might end up a bit low,” O’Brien initially tweeted.
“Yes,” O’Brien replied to a question asking if the Braves had interest.
There were earlier reports that there was mutual interest between the Dodgers and Scott, according to Robert Murray on “The Baseball Insiders” podcast.
Scott is arguably the top reliever on the open market. The free agent is coming off a campaign in which he posted a 1.75 ERA across 72 innings with the Marlins and Padres. Even if his 2.92 FIP suggests that number should’ve been a little higher, his 2023 numbers should ease concerns of regression, posting a 2.31 ERA and 2.17 FIP.
If the Dodgers are interested, the Braves will have to reach deep in their pockets for Tanner Scott.
