Padres Make a Huge Deadline Move, Get All-Star Reliever Tanner Scott from Marlins
In a pivotal moment for the 2023 season, the San Diego Padres solidified their ambitions for a playoff run by executing a high-stakes trade just before the MLB trade deadline. On Tuesday, the Padres secured Miami Marlins' All-Star left-handed closer Tanner Scott and right-handed pitcher Bryan Hoening, making waves across the league. This aggressive move underscores the Padres' commitment to contending in a highly competitive National League, especially as they face some challenges in their starting rotation.
A Significant Price Tag
In a deal that's set to reshape both franchises, the Marlins will receive an impressive return of three of the Padres’ top six prospects according to Baseball America’s latest rankings. The prospects heading to Miami are:
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Robby Snelling (Ranked 3rd): A highly regarded left-handed pitcher known for his command and ability to generate swings and misses. His potential makes him a prized asset for the Marlins as they look to bolster their farm system.
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Adam Mazur (Ranked 4th): Another right-handed pitcher with a strong college background, Mazur has shown promise in the minor leagues and is viewed as someone who can contribute to a big-league rotation in the near future.
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Graham Pauley (Ranked 6th): An infielder with versatility who has showcased his hitting ability and defensive skills. His upside could be appealing as the Marlins develop their infield depth.
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Jay Beshears (Ranked 29th): While not a top-tier prospect, Beshears offers additional value and depth to the trade, ensuring the Marlins maximize their return in developing young talent.
This trade marks yet another instance of the Padres opting for immediate success rather than playing the long game with their prospect pool. To put this in perspective, the Padres have now traded away 12 of their top 15 prospects over a series of bold deals that began with the acquisition of starter Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox back in March, followed by the pickup of batting champion Luis Arraez in May.
Aiming for the Postseason
Currently, the Padres find themselves in a precarious position. They sit 6.5 games behind their division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the NL West and are clinging onto the last wild-card berth. This recent acquisition isn't just about enhancing the bullpen; it’s about bolstering a team that's experienced its fair share of setbacks. Both of their co-aces, Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish, have been sidelined, leaning heavily on a starting rotation that has proven thin at times.
Musgrove is anticipated to return by mid-August, offering some hope. In contrast, Darvish’s status remains uncertain as he continues taking personal leave. As a result, the Padres are placing their faith in a star-studded bullpen to carry them through the remaining stretch of the season.
An Elite Bullpen Takes Shape
With the addition of Tanner Scott, the Padres look set to have one of the deepest and most formidable bullpens in the league. Scott, who is having a phenomenal season, boasts a 1.18 ERA and has struck out 53 batters in just 45.2 innings, making him arguably the best reliever available at the deadline. He joins a bullpen that already features standout arms like Robert Suarez, Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon, and the recently acquired Jason Adam from the Tampa Bay Rays.
This influx of talent into the bullpen suggests that the Padres are not just filling a void but strategically positioning themselves for a strong postseason push. The ability to close games effectively is crucial during critical moments of the season, and with Scott in the fold, they significantly bolster their chances of holding leads late in the game.
The Preller Philosophy: It’s Now or Never
General Manager A.J. Preller has consistently demonstrated a win-now mentality, and this latest trade epitomizes that approach. The Padres are not hesitant to sacrifice their future for a shot at immediate glory. This season has presented its challenges, but Preller’s willingness to part ways with top-tier prospects signals a clear objective: this organization is ready to win, and they believe that adding an elite closer like Tanner Scott is a definitive step in that direction.
As the 2023 season continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the Padres' revamped bullpen and their quest for a postseason berth. The future may be uncertain for the team’s prospect pool, but for this season, the future has certainly become now.
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(This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tanner Scott trade: Padres bullpen may be MLB's best after deadline)