NL East Notes: Nationals interested in Melancon, potential Morton return

Reliever Mark Melancon is expected to draw a notable amount of interest this off-season, and the Nationals “are expected to go hard” in their pursuit of the veteran, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Washington acquired Melancon in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline, and he pitched well. Over 29.2 innings with the Nationals, Melancon posted a 1.82 ERA and 2.07 FIP.

Melancon could be used the same way Andrew Miller has been called upon out of the bullpen, but regardless, he will likely receive a large deal this winter.

More from around the National League East:

• Charlie Morton could be an option for the Phillies again in 2017.

• As the Marlins look toward the future, they will have to field competitive teams around Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton.

• Rio Ruiz might be a candidate to win Atlanta’s third base job starting in the spring.

• New York won’t pick up Jon Niese’s option.

• All of Dusty Baker’s coaches will return next season.