New York Yankees seek trade for ‘most coveted’ reliever on market

The New York Yankees are happy to have Clay Holmes as their closer, even though he’s struggled with a 7.13 ERA since June 13. He just made his second All-Star appearance. But with Holmes struggling, the Yankees’ bullpen couldn’t use an upgrade or two.

With just days left until MLB’s July 30 trade deadline, time is running out to make significant upgrades to Aaron Boone’s roster, but the Yankees are actively involved in trade talks. That includes one of the best pitchers in baseball right now. But they’re not alone in the race.

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New York Yankees among teams trying to trade Tanner Scott

A little over a week ago we reported on the New York Yankees’ desire to add a high-leverage reliever, possibly even a current closer, to upgrade their bullpen. Yankees GM Brian Cashman may be on the verge of doing just that.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are one of six teams in talks to trade Miami Marlins All-Star Tanner Scott. Heyman calls Scott the “most coveted reliever on the market.” Considering the 30-year-old left-handed closer hasn’t allowed a run since June 13, he’s probably right.

Scott will become a free agent at the end of the season, so it doesn’t make sense for the Marlins to keep the veteran, especially considering he’s only pitched in the playoffs once. A move to the Yankees, or another team in contention, would at least give Scott a chance to compete for his first World Series ring.

The Yankees also compete with the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. The Orioles have the strongest farm system in baseball. The Phillies are the best team in baseball and the Dodgers never back down from a fight. Meanwhile, the Mariners and Diamondbacks have made upgrades before the trade deadline, but it remains to be seen whether more moves will come.

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