"Game is over when you have to face Tanner Scott" - Mets HOFer breaks down All-Star lefty's lethal skills

New York Mets Hall of Fame inductee Ron Darling explained that Tanner Scott has come a long way since making his major league debut, evolving into one of the best relief pitchers in the game. Darling feels that Scott has a dominant presence on the mound, and a victory seems assured whenever he steps onto the field.

A left-handed pitcher, Tanner Scott is arguably the most coveted high-leverage reliever in the free-agent market this offseason. The former Baltimore Orioles and Miami Marlins hurler remains up for grabs.

Darling, a 1986 World Series winner and a Mets Hall of Fame inductee in 2020, offered his thoughts on the southpaw pitcher on the MLB Network on Wednesday.

"Tanner Scott has had a good arm his entire career; (he) came up with Baltimore, of course, and then went over to the Marlins," he said. "I remember watching him with the Marlins and saying, "If this kid ever learns how to throw strikes, the game is over.

"Well, officially, the game is over now when you have to face him," he continued. "He's gotten to that point now."

Scott was transferred to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline for the final few months of the season before becoming e a free agent at the end of the campaign.

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"Walks are still an issue": Ron Darling on Tanner Scott

Tanner Scott started the 2024 season with the Marlins. (Image Source: Imagn)

Ron Darling said that Tanner Scott has a penchant to put runners on base by allowing walks to the opposing hitters. Nevertheless, Darling added that Scott still remains highly effective, as he gives up very few hits whenever he's on the mound.

"Walks are still an issue for Tanner," Darling said. "But if you combine that with the inability to put the ball in play against him, (it) makes him such a dangerous left-hander."

Scott posted the best season of his career in his final year before reaching free agency. He earned his first All-Star Game selection with the Miami Marlins before getting traded to the San Diego Padres.

Eventually, Scott ended the regular season with 72 innings pitched, along with 84 strikeouts and a 1.75 ERA. During the postseason, he gave up just two hits and two walks in 4.1 innings and racked up seven strikeouts without allowing a run.