The Answer At Closer Is Simple
In regards to their bullpen, All-Star closer Mark Melancon was great for the Nationals last year. Recording a 1.82 ERA, and blowing only one save with them, Melancon has everything the Washington Nationals need in a closer going forward. He can blow his fastball by opposing hitters, and he has the ability to work his way out of situations with runners on base, as well as pitch in the big game.
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When you look at the free agent closer market, it features, most notably, Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman and Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. They are both, without a doubt, the two best closers in all of baseball, but they’re commanding deals in excess of $85 million in total; that type of investment would be unnecessary for the Nationals.
Last night, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network tweeted that the Washington Nationals are one of the teams that have offered Melancon a four-year, $60+ million deal:
Sources: Melancon has multiple 4-yr, $60M+ offers: #SFGiants, #Nationals, perhaps one other. SF thought to be strongest, as @jcrasnick said.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2016
Next: Espinosa's Impact On Roster Moves
If the Washington Nationals can re-sign Melancon, he would provide nearly the same presence that both Chapman and Jansen provide. While not at the same stature as the two, Melancon is an elite closer himself, and is the guy the Washington Nationals should want to lock up long term. The question is will he choose the Nats or sign with another team?