Are the Atlanta Braves simply biding their time before making a big move?
While the rest of the National League has been busy strengthening their rosters this offseason, the Braves have largely remained inactive. They seem confident that their current lineup can outperform last year’s performance if it remains healthy, but there are still several areas that need addressing.
One of the most pressing concerns is their bullpen. Despite having one of the game’s most reliable closers in Raisel Iglesias, who racked up 34 saves last season, the Braves struggled in high-leverage situations. Outside of Iglesias, many of their key bullpen arms faltered in close games, particularly in one-run and tied scenarios. This has led many to believe that the Braves could improve significantly by adding a marquee bullpen piece.
One such addition could be Tanner Scott, a 2024 All-Star closer who would be an ideal fit for any team in need of bullpen depth, including the Braves. In a recent YouTube video, analyst Robbie Hyde suggested Scott would be a great signing for Atlanta this offseason. “For years, the Braves had A.J. Minter, but since he’s now a free agent, they could use another high-leverage lefty at the back end of their bullpen,” Hyde explained. “Tanner Scott has been one of the best relievers in the game for a couple of years now.” Hyde went on to point out that Scott would provide a massive boost to a Braves bullpen that ranked just 22nd in high-leverage situations in 2024.
Scott, 30, had a stellar season in 2024, posting a 1.75 ERA in 72 innings split between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. Over the last two seasons, he has posted a 2.04 ERA and struck out 188 batters in 150 innings. Adding Scott would not only bolster the bullpen immediately but could also serve as a long-term solution, especially since Iglesias will become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season.
Scott is projected to receive a four-year, $64 million deal, which is slightly more than the $58 million deal Iglesias once signed with the Los Angeles Angels. If the Braves can manage to accommodate both players on the payroll for a season, they could potentially have one of the most dominant bullpens in the league.
