Yankees pursuing Marlins’ stud closer Tanner Scott in trade talks ahead of deadline

Looking to enhance their bullpen in a big way, the Yankees are one of six contending teams said prominently involved in trade talks for Marlins All-Star left-hander Tanner Scott, who hasn’t allowed an earned run since June 13 and is the most coveted closer on the market.

The AL East rival Orioles, Scott’s former team, are among five more teams also at the front of the pack seeking the best closer sure to be dealt by the trade deadline.

The Phillies, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Mariners are thought to be vying for Scott, as well.

Scott, a free agent after the year, has a remarkable 1.18 ERA and has held opposing hitters to an anemic .127 batting average, a mark so low it sounds like the final two-thirds of the Yankee order lately.

Yankees closer Clay Holmes also made the All-Star team and has solid overall numbers (2.88 ERA, 10 walks and 43 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings), but he’s pitched unevenly lately with a slump that coincides exactly with Scott’s hot streak (and the Yankees’ slide).

Since June 13, Holmes has a 7.14 ERA. 

While Holmes, also a free agent at year’s end, is an above-average closer, he’s blown seven of 28 save chances.

Scott has blown just two of 20, and none lately.

Scott strikes out slightly more batters (53 in 45 2/3 innings) but his one issue is control.

He walks about one batter every two innings, with 27 walks.

The Yankees and Orioles, whose historically excellent closer Craig Kimbrel is experiencing some issues lately, are among teams most interested in a closer.

The Diamondbacks already traded for one left-handed reliever from the Marlins, the hard-throwing A.J. Puk.

The Phillies are the best team in baseball and have a fine bullpen but they don’t have many other needs.

Scott has been shopped for weeks but his value couldn’t be higher now.

The Angels’ Carlos Estevez is the only other closer almost sure to be traded.