Landing Spots For 3 Top Relievers In Free Agency

According to Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, three of the top free-agent relievers this offseason—Tanner Scott, Carlos Estévez, and Kirby Yates—will be impactful signings, with ideal landing spots identified for each. 

Tanner Scott, the market's premier bullpen arm, is seen as a perfect fit for the New York Mets. The Mets need a left-handed reliever to bolster their bullpen and provide closer insurance for Edwin Díaz. 

Rymer describes Scott’s arsenal as “nastiness incarnate,” and with Steve Cohen’s financial flexibility, a deal worth $20 million annually seems realistic for a team aiming to compete with the Dodgers and Braves in the National League.

.@jonmorosi provides an update on Carlos Estévez and Jurickson Profar’s free agent markets. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/IkBFbBRYNC

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 9, 2025

Carlos Estévez, fresh off a breakout 2024 season with a 2.45 ERA, is viewed as an excellent addition for the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

With an effective mix of a mid-90s fastball, slider, and changeup, Estévez could bring much-needed stability to Arizona's bullpen, pairing well with Justin Martinez, A.J. Puk, and Kevin Ginkel. 

Rymer points out that shedding Jordan Montgomery’s salary could give the Diamondbacks the financial room to sign Estévez to a two-year, $20 million deal, addressing a critical need for late-inning consistency.

Sounds like the Tanner Scott market is getting rich. I think it'll eclipse the top-end 4/$60m guesses.

But Scott's fastball could be worth it. Velo + plus vert + low release

Scared of going 4/$60m+? Kirby Yates's 2024 fastball location tweak has me intrigued. 👀 @WatchMarquee pic.twitter.com/L9vRdM1sCG

— Lance Brozdowski (@LanceBroz) January 10, 2025

Kirby Yates, despite being 37, remains a dominant force after allowing just 58 hits over the past two seasons. 

The Boston Red Sox are seen as the best fit for Yates, as his swing-and-miss capabilities align with the team’s focus on building a powerful bullpen. 

Rymer envisions Yates anchoring the closer role and forming a formidable late-inning trio alongside Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images