San Diego Padres: Mark Melancon is MLB’s biggest free agent bargain

For three years (2014-16), Mark Melancon established himself as one of the top closers (131 saves) in major league baseball. He was rewarded with a big-money (4yrs/$62 million) free agent deal with the San Francisco Giants in 2017. Then, Melancon’s troubles began as he became an expensive mistake. But Melancon has rebounded nicely by becoming baseball’s best free agent bargain with the San Diego Padres this season.

Mark Melancon’s Renaissance Began With the Braves

Should we have seen this coming? Well, it is hard to predict when a major league closer will lose their command and become quite hittable. Sometimes, the wear-and-tear of the position will lessen most major league relievers’ effectiveness on the mound. However, it’s hard to fathom how Melancon has re-invented himself several times in his 14-year MLB career.

His comeback began after the Giants sent him to the Atlanta Braves at the 2019 trade deadline. Melancon recorded 11 saves in 23 appearances which is remarkable considering he recorded only 14 saves with 9 blown saves in his two-and-half seasons with the Giants. Melancon followed that campaign will 11 saves in 2020’s pandemic-shortened season. But the Braves were alarmed with his diminishing strikeout numbers as he fanned only 14 batters in 22.2 IP. The team elected to allow him to test the free agent market this past offseason.

San Diego Padres Looking For Experienced Reliever, Found a Closer

The Padres were in the market looking to add another piece to their bullpen. It became apparent that the team was not going to come to an agreement with last season’s closer Trevor Rosenthal. Padres general manager AJ Preller wanted Emilio Pagan and Drew Pomeranz to compete for the closer role in spring training. But he also wanted to sign another experienced reliever to get the Friars through crucial innings in tight games.

The mutual attraction brought for a quick negotiation between Melancon and the Padres as both sides agreed to a 1-year/$3 million deal with a mutual option for the 2022 season.

The signing did not put Melancon immediately into the closer competition, but as spring training progressed, it became quite clear that he was the best candidate for the position. Melancon had the most experience in closing games and his early-season success has offset the loss of Rosenthal.

Mark Melancon’s 2021 Campaign Has Been Outstanding

And by all accounts, Melancon has regained some life on all three (fastball, cutter, and curve) of his pitches this season. The results have been outstanding as he allowed only 11 hits, with an ERA of 0.96, a WHIP of 0.75 and a league-leading 14 saves.

Six weeks might be too early, but you could make a case for the 36-year old closer to be a Cy Young candidate, especially if he continues to produce at this pace. At least, Melancon is a shoo-in to play in the All-Star Game in Colorado later this summer. Easily, he is the best bargain from last offseason’s free agent market.

The addition of Melancon has given the Padres a more complete bullpen. It has allowed them to create more favorable matchups in the seventh and eighth inning before bringing him in to close out the contest. Today’s baseball expects contending teams to have a deep, quality bullpen and the Friars have the best group in the majors.

Perhaps, Melancon is no longer that dominant closer from season’s past, but he can still get outs with his knowledge of using the entire strike zone.

No question, Mark Melancon is more than a bargain for the San Diego Padres.