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The Nationals are digging in on some late inning bullpen help.
Sources: #Nationals focused on #Pirates’ Melancon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2016
Pittsburgh’s closer is on his way to free agency after this season, costing $9.65 million for 2016. The Pirates, ever the frugal franchise, might be nervous about what it will take to keep him and be willing to deal. Meanwhile, teams like Washington (and also Cleveland) have been listed as interested in acquiring Melancon’s services. There are already a couple names in play as far as who the Nationals could send back in a trade.
Sources: If Nationals make a move for a closer, Blake Treinen could be part of the return package. Drew strong interest over the winter.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 30, 2016
Nats and Pirates heating up re: Melancon. Fedde/Lopez or both mentioned in return. Pirates scout in SF to watch Lopez, source confirms
— Byron Kerr (@masnKerr) July 30, 2016
Melancon, a 31-year-old, three-time All-Star, led the league in saves last year with 51; this season, he has a 1.51 ERA and 1.5 WAR, as well as 30 SV, in 41.2 IP.
The Nationals are not convinced, presumably, that Jonathan Papelbon can hold up the back of the bullpen all by himself. Two nights ago, he was pulled by manager Dusty Baker with two runners on and one out with a three-run lead, giving the impression that the trust just wasn’t there anymore. Melancon would go a long way in solidifying what has become a soft spot on the Nationals’ pitching staff, and could prove key as Washington nears what seems to be an inevitable playoff berth.