Congratulations to everyone who put money on the prop bet of the Washington Nationals pursuing an alliterative closer.
According to a report by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports on Friday, the Nationals are discussing a potential Mark Melancon deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Multiple other teams are also said to be in on Melancon and the Nationals are pursuing Royals reliever Wade Davis as well.
Sources: #Nationals talking to #Pirates about Melancon as well as #Royals about Wade Davis. Multiple teams pursuing Melancon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2016
Melancon, 31, has become one of the most reliable ninth-inning men in the MLB, recording 114 saves in 123 opportunities over the last three seasons for the Pirates, including 30 saves in 33 opportunities in 2016.
The Nationals don’t seem to be confident at all in Jonathan Papelbon as their permanent closer and appear willing to do whatever it takes to upgrade their bullpen. Melancon, the three-time All-Star, isn’t the flashiest closer, but he gets the job done by inducing weak contact with his extensive arsenal of pitches. He may represent the most cost-effective trade target amongst relievers for Washington moving forward.
Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
