Report: Melancon could land 4-year, $60M deal
After another impressive season saving games at the backend of the bullpens of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals, right-hander Mark Melancon is primed to earn some big bucks in free agency.
The 31-year-old could land a four-year deal in the $60-million range, according to sources of ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, who says the Nationals and San Francisco Giants are in the mix.
Crasnick opines the Giants may be in a better position to nab the free-agent closer, with the Nationals focusing so much attention on trying to trade for Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen and Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale.
The $60-million figure for Melancon may sound high, but according to one executive Crasnick spoke to, another closer competing with Melancon on the free-agent market, Kenley Jansen, could earn a five-year deal worth $80-90 million.
Melancon will almost certainly be more affordable than the top closer on the open market, Aroldis Chapman - who is seeking a $100-million contract - and Jansen, but his effectiveness has been similar.
| PLAYER | IP | SV | SVO | ERA | SO | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aroldis Chapman | 58 | 36 | 39 | 1.55 | 90 | 2.7 |
| Kenley Jansen | 68 2/3 | 47 | 53 | 1.83 | 104 | 3.2 |
| Mark Melancon | 71 1/3 | 47 | 51 | 1.64 | 65 | 1.8 |
On Thursday, the Nationals were reportedly turning their sights towards Melancon with the asking price for Chapman being too rich.
The Nationals supposedly loved having Melancon on the mound and in the clubhouse, and he certainly delivered for them, going 17-for-18 in save opportunities while posting a 1.82 ERA over 29 2/3 innings.
Over eight big-league seasons, Melancon has 168 saves to go along with a 2.60 ERA while pitching for five clubs.