Just two days after securing the talented Roki Sasaki, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made headlines once again.
The reigning champions signed Tanner Scott to a substantial four-year deal worth $72 million, making him the hottest closer currently available on the free agent market, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Scott’s addition to the Dodgers’ roster follows closely on the heels of the Blue Jays’ acquisition of Jeff Hoffman, who signed a three-year, $33 million contract.
With Scott now off the table, the competition has intensified for teams in pursuit of top-tier relief pitchers.
Best Closers Still Seeking Contracts
Here’s a look at the best closers still seeking contracts:
- Carlos Estévez: While Estévez may not strike out batters at an alarming rate, he enjoyed an impressive 2024 season, recording a 2.45 ERA and a solid 4.17 K/BB ratio in 54 appearances for the Angels and Phillies.
Since the beginning of 2023, he has converted 57 saves successfully.
Following the signing of Scott, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reports that both the Cubs and Blue Jays are now vying for Estévez’s signature.
- Kirby Yates: As he approaches his 38th birthday in March, Yates cemented himself as one of the most effective relievers of the previous season.
He boasted a remarkable 1.17 ERA and 33 saves, alongside an impressive strikeout rate of 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings, during 61 2/3 innings with the Rangers.
- Kenley Jansen: Now 37, Jansen may not be the overpowering force he once was, yet he continues to deliver results.
With a remarkable legacy that includes 447 saves—ranking fourth all-time—he posted a 3.29 ERA, tallied 27 saves, and maintained a 10.2 K/9 rate in 54 games for the Red Sox in 2024.
- David Robertson: While Yates took on closing responsibilities for the Rangers, Robertson shifted to a setup role, rounding out his 39-year-old season with a commendable 3.00 ERA and 99 strikeouts over 72 innings.
- Paul Sewald: Despite experiencing injury setbacks in 2024 and finishing the season with a 4.31 ERA while pitching for the Diamondbacks, Sewald had an impressive run from 2021 to 2023, where he compiled a noteworthy 2.95 ERA and racked up 65 saves.
- Kyle Finnegan: After the Nationals non-tendered him last December, Finnegan hits free agency with a reputation for success.
He ranks fourth in the majors with 66 saves since the beginning of 2023, although he carries a more modest 3.72 ERA and averages 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings.
Blue Jays Pursue Scherzer
On January 19, the Blue Jays continued their aggressive approach in pursuing top-tier free agents this offseason.
Fresh off signing reliever Jeff Hoffman, they are now rumored to have their sights set on three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, as highlighted by Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
In addition, acquiring another target like Anthony Santander or Pete Alonso might enhance their chances of landing Scherzer.
However, the future Hall of Famer presents a complex case for the Blue Jays.
Last season with the Rangers, Scherzer faced various challenges, pitching just 43 1/3 innings due to shoulder fatigue, a hamstring issue, and recovery from back surgery.
He wrapped up 2024 with a 3.95 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP.
Nonetheless, he currently ranks second among active pitchers in both innings pitched and strikeouts, trailing only Justin Verlander, and boasts a stellar career ERA of 3.16 among active starters with a minimum of 1,000 innings.
Red Sox Eye Bats Amid Bullpen Restructuring
With Tanner Scott now part of the Dodgers, the Boston Red Sox are rethinking their bullpen strategy, although it ranks as a secondary priority.
Reports from MassLive’s Chris Cotillo indicate that acquiring a strong right-handed bat remains the team’s primary focus.
Both Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado have emerged as potential fits, but their current circumstances make them less-than-ideal candidates.
On January 18, John Mozeliak, president of baseball operations for the Cardinals, reiterated the organization’s commitment to trading third baseman Nolan Arenado, describing it as their top priority.
However, he acknowledged a standstill in negotiations, mainly due to the ongoing free agent landscape, with Alex Bregman still on the market.
Mozeliak expressed cautious optimism about a potential deal but described the situation as uncertain, likening it to a “flip of the coin.” The Cardinals are seeking to enhance their bullpen and secure a right-handed bat, but no trades will take place until Arenado’s future is settled.
Recent discussions with the Astros fell short when Arenado exercised his no-trade clause, leading teams like the Yankees to step away from trade talks due to St. Louis’ demands.
As we move further into January, conversations regarding Arenado have plateaued, with the Red Sox seemingly representing the last chance for trade negotiations before the onset of the 2025 season.
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