Giants Sign All-Star Closer Mark Melancon To 4-Year Deal
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – The San Francisco Giants, whose bullpen woes triggered an epic 9th inning collapse in Game 4 of the National League Division Series, have reached an agreement with veteran closer Mark Melancon.
Melancon, an All-Star in 2013, 2015 and 2016, was considered one of three prized closers on the free agent market along with Kenley Jansen and Aroldis Chapman.
The Giants confirmed the signing Monday afternoon after ESPN reporter Buster Olney broke the story.
Sources: The Giants and Mark Melancon have agreed to a deal, pending a physical; Melancon is going through his physical.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 5, 2016
Giants Senior Vice President and General Manager Bobby Evans said Melancon signed a four-year deal contract. "Adding a premier closer was our main priority this offseason," said Evans in a statement. "Mark solidifies the back end of our bullpen and fills a critical role. He brings talent, leadership and experience to our pitching staff."
Evans did not disclose financial terms. Earlier, Olney tweeted the deal would top the 4-year, $50 million deal signed by Jonathan Papelbon.
The MLB Networks' Joel Sherman tweeted the deal was a 4-year, $62 million agreement.
Can confirm @Buster_ESPN Melancon in deal with h #Sfgiants. Hear it is 4-yr $62M range
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 5, 2016
Melancon split time between Pittsburgh and Washington last season, collecting 47 saves and a 2-2 record with an ERA under 1.80.
In his career, he 168 saves with a 21-18 mark. Melacon's best season was in 2015 when he had 51 saves with a 3-2 record and a 2.23 ERA for the Pirates.
The Giants former closer Santiago Casilla struggled last season and led the majors with nine blown saves.