One of the top names likely to be available before the trade deadline is Tanner Scott. Scott has excelled in generating strikeouts and inducing soft contact. Although his command was inconsistent at the start of the season, his fastball-slider combination is particularly appealing due to its effectiveness against both righties and lefties. Scott’s high velocity and impressive movement are his standout features, with his fastball averaging 96.7 MPH and having significant vertical ride that excels in the upper part of the zone.
Enhancing his fastball is a slider with sharp, dropping action and 7.4 inches of horizontal sweep, making it a formidable pitch that can jam right-handers or entice lefties to chase. The walk issues Scott faced earlier this season seem to be an anomaly, as demonstrated by his recent stretch of dominance.
In his last 29 appearances, Scott has recorded a 0.61 ERA and a 20.9% K-BB%, consistently generating soft contact and numerous whiffs. The Yankees, in need of more swing-and-miss capabilities in their bullpen, could find Scott an ideal target, especially given his 91st percentile ranking in Whiff Rate. Additionally, his experience as a closer could allow Clay Holmes to address issues with his sinker in the middle innings.
The deal would also involve Andrew Nardi, who, despite a 4.86 ERA, has performed better than his stats suggest. Nardi achieves a high strikeout rate with minimal walks, and excluding his first two outings of the season, his ERA drops to 3.41. He conceded 44% of his earned runs in his first four appearances, indicating improvement ahead.
Nardi, similar to Scott, throws a fastball with good vertical life and a sweeping slider, offering additional swing-and-miss potential to a bullpen in dire need. He could serve as a high-leverage middle-innings reliever, addressing the Yankees’ left-handed relief struggles.
Currently, Yankees left-handed relievers have a combined -0.4 fWAR and a 4.16 ERA, with only Tim Hill providing consistent value. Caleb Ferguson has underperformed, and Victor Gonzalez was designated for assignment last month. Reinforcements are necessary, and acquiring Scott and Nardi could significantly enhance their bullpen without excessive cost.
Benjamin Cowles, Rule 5 eligible, has excelled in Double-A with a 141 wRC+, eight home runs, and 22 doubles, showcasing strong offensive and defensive capabilities in the infield. The Miami Marlins could benefit from an MLB-ready infield option like Cowles.
T.J. Rumfield, a left-handed first baseman, is an excellent defender and could offer immediate value to Miami. After a slow start, Rumfield has hit .292 with six home runs and a .904 OPS in June and July, reducing strikeouts and demonstrating promising potential.
Roc Riggio’s .226 average belies his solid on-base skills (.375) and emerging power. Despite early struggles, Riggio has improved his slugging in the warmer months and could become a reliable infielder at higher levels if his development continues.
Whether Miami would agree to this trade is uncertain, but the Yankees offer valuable infield bats to aid the Marlins’ rebuild and two left-handed pitchers that align perfectly with the Yankees’ current needs.
Leave a Reply