When you think of dominant relievers in baseball, names like Josh Hader or Emmanuel Clase might come to mind. But have you heard of Tanner Scott? The Miami Marlins’ left-hander has quietly become one of the most reliable arms out of the bullpen—and it’s about time he got some recognition.
Who Is Tanner Scott?
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Tanner Scott isn’t a household name—yet. The 29-year-old fireballer was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 and spent his early years struggling with control issues. But something clicked after his move to the Marlins in 2022. Suddenly, he was throwing strikes, missing bats, and shutting down opponents in high-leverage situations.
From Struggling Prospect to Bullpen Anchor
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Scott’s journey wasn’t smooth. Early in his career, his fastball was electric, but his walk rates were alarmingly high. So what changed?
– Improved Command: He cut his walk rate nearly in half from 2021 to 2023.
– Devastating Slider: His wipeout breaking ball became one of the best in the league.
– Mental Toughness: He learned to trust his stuff instead of overthinking.
Why Tanner Scott Deserves More Attention
The numbers don’t lie. In 2023, Scott posted a 2.31 ERA with 104 strikeouts in just 78 innings. Lefties hit a measly .157 against him. That’s elite-level dominance. Yet, he’s rarely mentioned among the game’s best relievers. Why? Maybe it’s because he didn’t come up through a flashy system, or perhaps he’s just been overlooked in a small market.
How He’s Dominating Hitters
Scott’s success boils down to two pitches:
1. The Fastball: Sits at 97-99 mph with late movement.
2. The Slider: A nasty, late-breaking pitch that makes hitters look foolish.
When he’s ahead in the count, good luck. His slider has a whiff rate over 50%, meaning half the swings against it don’t even make contact.
The Marlins’ Secret Weapon
Miami isn’t known for high payrolls or star-studded rosters, but they’ve built a competitive team with under-the-radar talent. Scott fits that mold perfectly. Manager Skip Schumaker has leaned on him in tight spots, and he’s delivered more often than not.
Closer Potential?
With 12 saves in 2023, Scott showed he can handle the ninth inning. If the Marlins commit to him as their full-time closer, he could easily jump into the 30-save conversation.
What’s Next for Tanner Scott?
At 29, he’s in his prime. Another season like 2023, and he’ll start getting All-Star buzz. Free agency looms in 2025, and if he keeps this up, a big payday is coming.
Can He Sustain This Level?
Relievers are notoriously volatile, but Scott’s adjustments suggest he’s here to stay. His stuff is too good, and his confidence is at an all-time high.
Final Thoughts
Tanner Scott might not be a superstar yet, but he’s one of the most effective relievers in the game right now. If you haven’t been paying attention, now’s the time. Because pretty soon, everyone else will be.
