*Photo from Talking Chop*
After the San Diego Padres made massive upgrades to their lineup and starting rotation this winter, the bullpen was the one piece of the roster that they hadn't made significantly better yet. Well, that's changed now. The Padres are in agreement with RHP Mark Melancon on a one year contract, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Melancon will earn $2 million in 2021, and there is a mutual option for the 2022 season that has a $1 million buyout, guaranteeing Melancon $3 million. The Padres have confirmed the deal.
Melancon spent the Pandemic shortened 2020 season in the Atlanta Braves bullpen, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.78 ERA, striking out 14 hitters in 22 2/3 innings pitched, saving 11 games in 23 relief appearances for the Braves. In his 12 major league seasons, Melancon has a 30-27 record with a 2.85 ERA, throwing 606 innings and saving 205 games in 606 appearances.
Melancon has spent his 12 year career with a host of MLB teams, spending time with the Braves, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, and San Francisco Giants before signing with the Padres. He will also bring playoff experience to the Padres, as he's been in the playoffs 6 out of his 12 years, with a 3.72 ERA in 20 playoff appearances.
Melancon is expected to be the favorite for the closers job in San Diego, as they lost closers Kirby Yates and Trevor Rosenthal to free agency, with Yates signing with Toronto, and Rosenthal still currently a free agent. Drew Pomeranz and Emilio Pagan will figure to serve as high leverage relievers in addition to Melancon.
The Padres have had a busy and successful offseason, signing Melancon and Ha-Seong Kim, and trading for Blake Snell, Yu Darvish, and Joe Musgrove since the offseason started in November.
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