Cubs Targeting Tanner Scott?

[Bertz]

A steady chatter has been building throughout this week around the Cubs' pursuit of a new closer.  Most reports however have had them foregoing Tanner Scott, the top reliever on the free agent market, and instead targeting the next tier down with Kirby Yates' name often mentioned.

Jon Morosi this evening lists the Cubs as a "top suitor" for Scott's services however.  Additionally, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic also notes the Cubs pursuit of Scott:

Quote

The Cubs have been enamored of left-handed reliever Tanner Scott for years. They’ve been interested in trading for him, and with him on the open market, they’ve engaged in trying to lure him to Chicago.

However, it is worth noting, Sharma ultimately comes down on the side of Scott being beyond the Cubs' financial comfort zone.

The Mets have generally been seen as Scott's top suitor, so with them signing AJ Minter this afternoon, perhaps there's an opening.  Morosi also notes that Scott is likely close to a decision.  The relief market is expected to move quickly after Scott signs, so either way the Cubs may have their new closer on hand soon.

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[Dfan25]

Very unlikely . I think he goes to the Dodgers . I hope the Cubs get Yates or Robertson .

Edited January 18, 2025 by Dfan25

[Stratos]

Believe it when I see it.

[Tryptamine]

53 minutes ago, Dfan25 said:

Very unlikely . I think he goes to the Dodgers . I hope the Cubs get Yates or Robertson .

At this point I'd be surprised if it's anyone of that tier.

[JD94]

I don’t buy this report. It would be super fun though to pair him and Hodge in the back end of the pen. I would be shocked if Jed went 4/80 on Scott. I don’t see anybody going 4/80 on him, not even LA. We will see though… sounds like he’s close to a decision. 

[Rcal10]

8 hours ago, Tryptamine said:

At this point I'd be surprised if it's anyone of that tier.

I do think they will get either Yates, Robertson, or Jansen. I just don’t see Scott. And hearing the Dodgers want him I think we know where this ends up. 

[Bertz]

If this ends up going down, I'd suspect Jed softened on his long term deals for relievers stance in this case for these reasons:

- A professional courtesy to Craig Counsell.  There was rumor that Jed was considering multi-year deals last winter in deference.  It didn't end up happening then obviously 

- The rising costs in the SP market making the ROI on reliever deals not look quite so bad

- The rest of the bullpen is VERY cheap.  Caleb Thielbar at $2.75M is their top paid reliever and Nate Pearson at $1.35 is second

- Unlike Flaherty or someone like that, you can fit Scott and a Tucker extension under the 2026 LT, barely

I do still ultimately expect a one year deal to one of the old guys though. 

[Dfan25]

As expected , signs with Dodgers . 4 / 72

Edited January 19, 2025 by Dfan25