New York Yankees supporters everywhere can rejoice that the Clay Holmes era in the Bronx has come to an end; nonetheless, Holmes was far more beneficial to the Yankees than many fans realize. The righty has agreed to terms on a three-year, $38 million contract with the New York Mets as a starter. The Bronx Bombers can shift their focus to the free agent market, where there are numerous closers to select from. Many of the alternatives are aged veterans seeking one- or two-year contracts.
FanSided’s Jacob Mountz recently projected that the Yankees will seek San Diego Padres closer Tanner Scott, who was traded at the 2024 MLB trade deadline in a blockbuster transaction between the Miami Marlins and Padres.
“Scott finished with a 1.75 ERA with 84 strikeouts through 72 innings, winning his only All-Star nod,” Mountz noted in an email. “Scott is regarded as one of the most desirable bullpen arms on the market this offseason. Having said that, he will not come cheap. ESPN’s David Schoenfield predicts he’ll sign a four-year contract worth $54 million. But with him as a closer, the Yankees can toss him the ball with confidence.”
Scott’s main difficulty will be money. The Yankees’ top priority is to re-sign Juan Soto. If general manager Brian Cashman signs Soto, it’s unlikely that he’ll spend more than $54 million on a closer. Instead, Cashman would go with a cheap option since he needs to locate two infielders, a couple additional bullpen pieces, and possibly a starter pitcher after signing Soto.
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