Another team has entered the Tanner Scott sweepstakes.
The New York Mets have reportedly met with the free-agent reliever, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic.
“The New York Mets’ pursuit of bullpen reinforcements differs somewhat from how they navigated the starting pitcher market,” Sammon wrote. “With relievers, they’re exploring the most expensive options available, and have met (likely via phone or video) with the top remaining free-agent option, Tanner Scott, league sources said.”
This doesn’t mean the Mets will sign the top available reliever, but they are looking to add one or two more relievers this winter.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers still remain interested in signing Scott, he would be a lethal set-up man for Mets closer Edwin Díaz.
Beyond Díaz, the bullpen in Queens includes breakouts Dedniel Núñez and Reed Garrett, along with other potential options such as José Buttó, Sean Reid-Foley and Danny Young (the only lefty).
Scott is projected to secure a four-year, $64 million contract, according to The Athletic’s Tim Britton, and that would be hard to get out of Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Stearns typically avoids lengthy commitments to starting pitchers, but top-tier relievers often require shorter-term deals. Even so, a three- or four-year contract for a reliever is notable.
Over nine seasons managing front offices, Stearns has only once signed a reliever to a multi-year deal — Matt Albers before the 2019 season.
The Mets didn’t enjoy losing to the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series and are doing whatever it takes to prevent that from happening again. Just look at their historic signing of Juan Soto, poaching him from the New York Yankees.
If the Mets were to sign Scott, they would gain not only one of the league’s top left-handed relievers but also a potential postseason difference-maker, especially in a rematch against the Dodgers.
Last season, Scott dominated left-handed hitters, holding them to a .132 batting average. He was especially effective in the 2024 National League Division Series, where he neutralized Shohei Ohtani with key performances.
