The Atlanta Braves have been rumored to have interest in almost every single free agent available this offseason. However, the team has yet to add any major free agents to their roster.
Atlanta is in need of a corner outfielder, a late-inning bullpen arm, and a starting pitcher. There are options remaining for the Braves to consider but those options could disappear if they aren't careful.
One area of spending that we know Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves haven't shied away from is the bullpen. AA has been willing to add great relief options in free agents whether that be through trade or free agency (i.e. Will Smith, Raisel Iglesias, Aaron Bummer, Joe Jimenez).
The Braves have been linked heavily to lefty reliever Tanner Scott this offseason. He makes perfect sense for the Braves who need backend bullpen options with the injury to Joe Jimenez and the loss of AJ Minter to free agency.
Braves insider David O'Brien recently made comments that suggest Atlanta's interest in Scott is very real. Up until this point, there was mostly speculation surrounding the Braves consideration of the southpaw.
DOB stated the team has done a background on Scott to verify his medical history. A team only does that when they have severely high interest in a player. O'Brien further stated that it would "just come down to contracts, like most FAs, and he's (Scott) got plenty of suitors."
The Braves have done background on Scott and checked out medical, so there is definite interest. Probably will just come down to contracts, like most FAs, and he’s got plenty of suitors. https://t.co/LbE8jxHd0o
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 6, 2025
While nothing is close, it sure sounds like the Braves are doing a lot of background work on free agent Tanner Scott
Scott would cost the Braves a decent amount as Fangraphs estimates the lefty reliever will earn a four-year, $60 million contract. However, it could be higher than that with how exorbitant free agent contracts have been so far this offseason.
Regardless of cost, Scott is a perfect addition for any contender. In fact, MLB Network's Jon Morosi stated the Dodgers and Braves have an interest in Scott. Given that Scott is one of the best relievers on the market, if not THE best, the list of actual suitors is probably considerably longer than that.
He has emerged as one of the best relievers in baseball over the last two seasons. Scott has thrown 150 innings during his time with the Marlins and Padres, including a 2.04 ERA, 2.53 FIP, a 7.6 WAR, 60 walks, and 188 strikeouts.
Scott excelled in 2024 with a 1.75 ERA and his advanced metrics are all in the top percentages with the exception of his walk rate. If there's one thing he needs to improve, it's walking batters. He had a decent walk rate in 2023, but it increased around 5% in 2024 (7.8% versus 12.2%).
He has a ton of upside and would arguably give Atlanta the best bullpen in baseball. The Braves signing Scott would likely mean the team looks for lower leverage options to fill their remaining needs as the front office's actions make them seem wary of the luxury tax, despite stating it's not a concern.