Padres All-Star Stock Rises: $54 Million Contract Prediction
The San Diego Padres completely turned things around in 2024 after a rough 2023 campaign.
San Diego looked much better and ended up winning 93 games in the regular season but was knocked out of the playoffs by the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres were one of the more aggressive teams in baseball this past summer as the trade deadline approached.
The Padres knew they needed to improve their bullpen if they wanted to make a run and ended up snagging one of the best relievers in baseball. San Diego acquired Tanner Scott in a trade with the Miami Marlins and he shined.
Scott had a 1.75 ERA across 72 appearances with the Padres and Marlins while earning his first All-Star nod. Now, he’s going to cash in with ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel predicted that he will get a four-year deal worth $54 million.
“Projected Contract: 4 years, $54 million ($13.5M AAV),” McDaniel said. “Scott fits the somewhat recent trend of relievers delivering fastballs from a low launch to the top of the zone to maximize whiffs and popups while minimizing balls in play. Scott comes with some risk, as he had way-below-average command (6.6 walks per nine innings) in 2022, then broke out in a huge way in 2023 (2.31 ERA, 2.50 xERA, 2.8 BB/9).
“He actually regressed a bit in 2024 but still looked like a late-innings reliever. There should be lots of interest in the three-year range, so I assume he will end up on a four-year deal.”
Will that be with the Padres? San Diego certainly could afford him if it wanted to bring the star hurler back. There will be plenty of competition for him, though.
