3 moves for San Diego Padres this offseason
By David Hill
Bring back Mark Melancon
The San Diego Padres took a chance on Mark Melancon late in the offseason, signing him to a $2 million contract with a mutual option for 2022.
Needless to say, that contract worked out for San Diego. Melancon had an excellent year, leading the majors with 39 saves while posting a 2.23 ERA and a 1.222 WHiP over his 64.2 innings, striking out 59 batters with 29 walks. He has gone from an afterthought to being one of the top closers available in free agency.
That is not to say that he should be considered a given. Melancon’s 3.5 BB/9 rate was the highest of any of his full seasons in the majors. And, as he will be 37 years old at the start of the 2022 season, one has to wonder how long he can perform at a high level.
But that is a chance that the Padres should take. They have a solid bullpen, but could be undone by putting the ninth inning into the hands of an unreliable option. Melancon may not be the closer he once was, but he remains a strong option to slam the door on the opposition. The Padres need that.
Next. 2022 Padres will benefit from Bob Melvin. dark
Mark Melancon showed that he can still be an excellent closer in 2021. The San Diego Padres need to bring him back.