Jed Hoyer has made it clear this offseason that one of his main priorities for the Chicago Cubs is to improve the team’s bullpen. While the bullpen wasn’t terrible at times last season, it was inconsistent and ultimately needed to perform better over the course of the entire year. For a team aiming to contend in the National League Central, it’s crucial to have a strong bullpen capable of closing out games, especially given the Cubs’ struggles on the offensive side last season. No matter how well the offense performs, it’s difficult to win games without being able to rely on pitching late in contests.
There are several options available for the Cubs to pursue in their efforts to upgrade the bullpen. If they are reluctant to make a significant financial commitment, they can look to under-the-radar pitchers who could provide value at a lower cost. However, if they’re determined to make a bold move and show the fan base that they’re serious about winning, acquiring a high-caliber reliever like Tanner Scott would be a fantastic option.
Hoyer previously mentioned his desire to utilize matchups more effectively out of the bullpen, and there would be no better fit for this approach than Scott, who was one of the top relievers in baseball last season. His dominant performance in 2024—highlighted by his outstanding 1.75 ERA—makes him a highly coveted target for teams looking to strengthen their bullpen. The challenge, however, is that Scott is expected to command a large contract, with some projections indicating that he could sign a deal worth around four years and $60 million.
Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball suggested that Scott could land a contract similar to that of Josh Hader, who received a five-year, $95 million deal as the top closer on the market last year. While Scott may not have the same extensive track record as Hader, his performance in 2024 makes him a strong candidate for a substantial contract. Finkelstein noted that Scott’s representatives might aim for a five-year deal worth more than $15 million per season, which would put him in the upper echelon of relievers. This salary may seem modest for many players, but it would place Scott in the top tier for bullpen arms.
However, paying top dollar for bullpen arms has not always yielded the best results for teams in recent offseasons. History has shown that relievers can be unpredictable, and committing a significant amount of money to them doesn’t always pay off in the long run. Nonetheless, Scott’s performance last season, along with his excellent stuff, has led to optimism that he can maintain a high level of pitching in the future. If the Cubs decide to make a move for Scott, they would be banking on his continued success, but it would also represent a significant financial commitment.
Ultimately, the Cubs must weigh the risks and rewards of signing a big-money reliever like Scott. If they’re willing to take the plunge, he could be the ace out of the bullpen they need to push them into contention. However, the Cubs’ decision will depend on whether they are willing to make that financial investment in the hopes of securing a reliable late-inning arm for the future.
