Red Sox Rumors: Boston Pursuing ‘Difference-Making’ Reliever

The Red Sox addressed two of their biggest needs in the lead-up to the MLB trade deadline, but there’s still work to be done in Boston.

Craig Breslow and company stabilized the club’s starting rotation by trading for James Paxton and adding a right-handed bat in the form of Danny Jansen. But the Red Sox still need bullpen help, which was emphasized Saturday night when they faltered in the late innings against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park.

And according to former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, Boston might take a swing at the best reliever available on the trade market. The Red Sox reportedly have been pursuing Tanner Scott, a 2024 All-Star who logged a 1.18 ERA through his first 45 2/3 innings this season.

Miami might not be interested in a full-blown firesale, as it reportedly joined Boston among the clubs that showed interest in Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker. But the Marlins on Saturday shipped the dynamic Jazz Chisolm to the Bronx, a sign that the National League East team will at least sign to offers for players up and down the roster.

Scott could be a game-changer in Boston, where Alex Cora’s side currently is dealing with troubling injuries to Justin Slaten and Chris Martin. The southpaw could form a vaunted one-two punch with Kenley Jansen, who remains one of the better closers in baseball despite his recent struggles.

The challenge for the Red Sox will be separating itself from the rest of the pack in the pursuit of Scott, though. The 30-year-old reportedly has also drawn interest from the Yankees, Baltimore Orioles and “other contenders.”