Among the remaining POSSIBLE things the Chicago Cubs could do this offseason, signing closer Tanner Scott would probably be just about the best. He not only fits an obvious need and dramatically improves an entire group on the roster, but he’s available for only money and is coming off of a two-year run that has seen him post a 2.04 ERA over 150.0 IP, while striking out 31.3% of the batters he has faced and walking just 10.0% of them. He’s been a stud, and he projects to be a stud at the back of someone’s bullpen in 2025.
The thing is, Scott is the best closer on this year’s market, and he may well be seeking the kind of monster reliever contract that this Cubs front office simply never hands out:
Sources: Lefty closer Tanner Scott is said to be seeking a 4-year, $80 million deal in free agency
Mets have met with Scott, but are unlikely to land him after adding A.J. Minterhttps://t.co/SXYyOjS9nf— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) January 18, 2025
I simply do not see a scenario in which the Cubs give Scott that level of contract, deserved or not. It’s just not something they do.
But I am here to share what’s out there, and, since we know the fit is so obvious, I think this is worth getting in front of you:
The Cubs are among the top remaining suitors for Tanner Scott, sources say.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 18, 2025
Scott could decide from among several multiyear offers this weekend. @MLBNetwork
Hey, love it!
… but do I think they can actually land him?
Well, let me allow the good writers at The Athletic to sum up my position, as they wrote today:
“The Cubs have been enamored of left-handed reliever Tanner Scott for years. Theyโve been interested in trading for him, and with him on the open market, theyโve engaged in trying to lure him to Chicago. However, with the Los Angeles Dodgers looking like the favorite, it seems unlikely they can meet his monetary demands.”
Oh. The Dodgers. Cool. So you’re saying Scott can expect to receive a five-year, $180 million contract, payable in 2055?
In all seriousness, it’s not like adding Roki Sasaki today is going to make the Dodgers any LESS determined to keep adding to their roster, and it CERTAINLY isn’t going to make them any more hard up for cash. So if that’s the club the Cubs are competing with for Scott (who has also been rumored to the Braves, among other clubs), I won’t let myself get too optimistic.
The fit is quite clear, though, and I would do a little dance if the Cubs could make it happen. I’d just be very, very surprised.