After a disappointing 2023 season, the New York Yankees have made several improvements to their roster. However, uncertainties linger regarding the composition of their bullpen on Opening Day.
MLB analyst Jordan Shusterman from Fox Sports has suggested a potential trade to address this concern. The proposal involves the Yankees trading shortstop Oswald Peraza, a top-100 prospect in MLB last year, to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Tanner Scott. Scott, a left-handed reliever with seven years of experience in the big leagues, was one of the top-performing relievers in baseball last year. Shusterman acknowledges that while Scott is set to become a free agent after the upcoming season, this trade could be a strategic move for the Yankees to bolster their pitching staff.
Shusterman explains that the Yankees might consider this trade if they’ve completed their spending on the rotation but still want to make a significant impact on the pitching staff. The idea is to offer Peraza as a potential long-term shortstop solution for the Marlins, in exchange for Scott.
He further argues that such a move would benefit both teams. With the addition of highly-touted Jorbit Vivas, Peraza may struggle to find a place in the Yankees’ lineup. On the other hand, the Marlins, having A.J. Puk and Andrew Nardi as left-handed relievers, could compensate for the loss of Scott.
The New York Yankees have the opportunity to address their bullpen needs by leveraging their prospect depth through potential swaps. This strategic move could provide the much-needed support to bolster their bullpen performance.
Peraza encountered difficulties during his 173 at-bats in the previous season, registering a slash line of .191/.267/.272. A change of environment could potentially benefit him.
According to Shusterman, Peraza, once regarded as a consensus top-100 prospect, possesses strong defensive skills and contact abilities, making him a promising fit for the Yankees’ infield alongside the more highly touted Anthony Volpe. Despite his struggles in sporadic appearances in the Bronx as a rookie, Shusterman emphasizes that there is still genuine talent in Peraza that should not be overlooked.
As for the Marlins, they currently plan to have Jon Berti as their everyday shortstop, a seasoned utility player who, if Peraza proves himself, should not impede his playing time. Shusterman concludes that if Miami views Peraza as a potential starting shortstop, as the industry did not long ago, it could be a suitable match for both parties.
The available bullpen options for the New York Yankees are diminishing.
In 2023, the Yankees boasted an impressive relief team, holding the best MLB ERA at 3.34. However, crucial contributors such as Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton have departed for National League teams, and sought-after options like Phil Maton and Héctor Neris are no longer on the market.
According to Max Goodman’s report on NJ.com, the Yankees are facing a dwindling opportunity to enhance their bullpen through free agency, with available relievers quickly finding new teams.
Consequently, as the offseason closes in swiftly, one of the team’s remaining strategies could involve acquiring a pitcher like Scott through a trade. Scott is anticipated to command $5.5 million in 2024, as per Sportrac.
Scott has accumulated a total of 296.2 career innings, registering a 4.00 ERA, 33 saves, and 402 strikeouts. Notably, in the last two seasons, he has established himself as a dependable closer for the Marlins, boasting a remarkable 2.31 ERA and securing 12 saves in 78 innings during 2023.
If Scott sustains this positive trajectory, he represents the type of under-the-radar relief pitcher that the Yankees have historically favored. In the context of the team’s current “win-now” mentality, he could potentially be a more suitable option than Peraza.
