The San Francisco Giants and closer Mark Melancon have agreed to a deal pending a physical, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.com. No financial details of yet, but believed to be a four year deal in the $60-65 million range.
Melancon is coming off one of the best seasons of his seven-year career. He appeared in 75 games in 2016, pitching to a stellar ERA of 1.64 with a WHIP of 0.90, while splitting time between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals. He would end his season with 47 saves.
Melancon has fared best against left-handed batters in his career, holding them to a .196 batting average as opposed to the .237 that right-handed hitters have hit off of him. Overall he has done a great job against hitters on both sides of the dish.
The Washington Nationals were in hot pursuit of Melancon, but came up short in the end. Interesting to see who they turn to next.
