Mark Melancon
Position: Relief Pitcher
Bats: Right – Throws: Right
Born: March 28, 1985 (Age 37)
As many teams look to build a shutdown bullpen, there are not too many better choices on the open market this offseason than Melancon. The New York Mets are said to be looking for bullpen help this offseason, especially with new uncertainties surrounding closer, Jeurys Familia.
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. Mark would end his season with 47 saves.
Adding Melancon to the killer combo of Familia and Addison Reed would give the Mets their own three-headed monster at the backend of the bullpen. Melancon has had a great career overall, with an ERA of 2.60 and a WHIP of 1.04.
Melancon has faired 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.
Contract:
Melancon is considered to be one of the better relievers in the game today and will get paid handsomely in free agency. I would look for Melancon to grab a three-year deal in the $10-12 million range per year.
Recommendation:
The Mets already have a lot of money dedicated to their eighth and ninth inning relievers. It would be hard to imagine the team going after another big time star in the back end of the bullpen. Melancon will be too expensive for the team’s taste and they should pass as there are more cost effective options on the open market this offseason.
