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Dodgers Rumors: Team Wanted Mark Melancon at the Trade Deadline

By Dylan Gannon

Oct 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Mark Melancon (43) pitches against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Mark Melancon (43) pitches against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Co-Host of Dodger Talk, David Vassegh, reports that the Dodgers had serious talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Mark Melancon at the trade deadline. Will they try for him now?

With elite closer Kenley Jansen on the free agent market, the Dodgers might have to settle for another closer. Big names like Aroldis Chapman, Mark Melancon, Kenley Jansen, and Sergio Romo are among the closers on the free agent market this winter.

Of course, every Dodgers fan would love to have Kenley Jansen back it will be tough. Jansen was named National League Reliever of the Year in 2016, and his cutter is already being compared to Mariano Rivera’s. Not to mention that Jansen isn’t even 30 years old yet! Every team that needs to strengthen bullpen is probably contacting Kenley and his agent asking for prices.

Kenley is probably expecting a multi-year deal worth $10+ million per year. For him, he is allowed to do that because he has proven his worth. It is really up to the Dodgers if they want to have a bidding war with an opposing club to keep him. Given the fact that per Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, the San Francisco Giants have already met up Jansen’s representatives.

The Dodgers ventured off last year and almost acquired Aroldis Chapman until they were scared off by a domestic violence charge he had against his girlfriend. They probably don’t want him to play for their club with his bad history.

Sergio Romo has been streaky in the past. He lost his closer job last year, and that is when the Giants’ bullpen started to crumble. On the other hand, his slider is one of the filthiest things you will ever see thrown. However, he is 34 years old, and nobody can rely on that old of a closer unless he is wearing the number 42 on his back in pinstripes.

This leaves us with Mark Melancon. He is a great closer putting up 1.64 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and closed out 47 games for the Pirates and the Nationals combined. David Vassegh reported that the Dodgers had serious talks with the Pirates about Melancon at the trade deadline in late July.

If the club is unable to bring back Jansen, then be on the lookout for them acquiring Melancon. There is also a possibility that the Dodgers acquire Melancon and bring back Jansen. In that case, they will have one be the setup man for the other man.

Next: Dodgers Rumors: Second Baseman Options To Consider

If that does indeed happen and the Dodgers have a lead going into the eighth inning, consider the game to be over.

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