The Mets are aiming to add one more big arm to the bullpen’s back end, and Tanner Scott may be the best fit.
Scott recently met with the Mets, The Post’s Mike Puma confirmed. That Scott’s left-handed is a bonus.
The relief market has been slow, with several top guys still available, including Carlos Estevez (the Jays and Reds are among interested teams), Kirby Yates and Jeff Hoffman (though Hoffman is considering starting options, too). Kenley Jansen, Andrew Kittredge, Jose Leclerc and A.J. Minter are among another 40 relievers who should get MLB contracts.
The Mets were willing to go two years for Joc Pederson (but not the $37M he got from Texas) and looked at Teoscar Hernandez in case the Dodgers deal everyone expected fell through (he got $66M, $58.1M after deferred monies are calculated, over three).
The Dodgers and Padres have long been the favorites for superstar Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, but some hopeful execs wonder if turmoil at the top of San Diego’s hierarchy — the widow of late owner Peter Seidler is suing his brothers for control of the team — could hinder San Diego’s chances.
While this is merely wishful speculation, the Padres have clearly changed gears since Seidler’s untimely death, going from one of baseball’s biggest spenders to its biggest payroll cutter.
They’re listening on Luis Arraez and Dylan Cease but may end up keeping both.
The Diamondbacks would like to trade Jordan Montgomery, which would free up money for a big-time reliever assuming they pay down only half or so of his $22M salary.
Regardless, the D’backs are a big winner this winter after the surprise Corbin Burnes signing. …
Justin Verlander and Charlie Morton are inspirations to all us old(er) folks.