The San Francisco Giants found themselves a top-notch closer on Monday, as they have reportedly agreed to a deal with reliever, Mark Melancon. The deal is said to be for four years, worth $62 million, which is the richest contract for a closer in major league history. It tops Jonathan Papelbon's four-year, $50 million deal from the Phillies in 2012.
Melancon is set to receive a $20 million signing bonus once he passes the physical. He'll make $4 million in 2017, $10 million in 2018, and $14 million in 2019 and 2020.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy reacted by saying that the veteran "fills an important need for us." The bullpen lead to the Giants falling to the Cubs in the NLDS last season, most notably when they blew a 5-2 lead in the ninth inning of Game 4.
The 31-year-old was dealt from the Pirates to the Nationals at the deadline this past season, and finished with a combined 47 saves and a 1.64 ERA. He threw 71.1 innings in 75 appearances, converting 30 of 33 saves for Pittsburgh, and 17 of 18 for Washington. His best season was when he led the majors with 51 saves in 2015.
Staying in the NL West, the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed starting pitcher, Rich Hill, for another three years on Monday. He was acquired from the Oakland Athletics at the August 1st deadline this past year, and pitched them into the postseason. The deal is reportedly worth $40 million.
The 36-year-old is slated to be the team's No. 2 starter behind ace, Clayton Kershaw. He posted a 1.83 ERA in six starts with L.A., winning three of them. In three postseason starts, he recorded a 3.46 ERA, including a Game-3 NLCS win over the Cubs. All of this after not making his Dodger debut unitl August 24th due to blister issues.
In 12 years in the majors, Hill is 38-28 with a 4.10 ERA in 221 career games.
And in a trade that was announced Tuesday morning, the Boston Red Sox dealt third baseman, Travis Shaw, to the Milwaukee Brewers for reliever, Tyler Thornburg. This trade could lead to the return of Pablo Sandoval in the Boston lineup. The Red Sox also sent infield prospect, Mauricio Dubon and Single-A pitcher, Josh Pennington to Milwaukee.
The 28-year-old Thornburg recorded a 2.15 ERA along with 13 saves and 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings in 67 appearances. He ended up taking over as the team's closer after the Brewers dealt Jeremy Jeffress to the Rangers. Boston has control over his contract through 2019.
Shaw hit 16 home runs and drove in 71 after taking over for Sandoval, who dealt with injuries throughout the season. Even when he was healthy, he struggled to produce, which kept Shaw in the starting lineup. The team is hoping they can get Sandoval back on track after giving him a five-year, $95 million contract.
Melancon is set to receive a $20 million signing bonus once he passes the physical. He'll make $4 million in 2017, $10 million in 2018, and $14 million in 2019 and 2020.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy reacted by saying that the veteran "fills an important need for us." The bullpen lead to the Giants falling to the Cubs in the NLDS last season, most notably when they blew a 5-2 lead in the ninth inning of Game 4.
The 31-year-old was dealt from the Pirates to the Nationals at the deadline this past season, and finished with a combined 47 saves and a 1.64 ERA. He threw 71.1 innings in 75 appearances, converting 30 of 33 saves for Pittsburgh, and 17 of 18 for Washington. His best season was when he led the majors with 51 saves in 2015.
Staying in the NL West, the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed starting pitcher, Rich Hill, for another three years on Monday. He was acquired from the Oakland Athletics at the August 1st deadline this past year, and pitched them into the postseason. The deal is reportedly worth $40 million.
The 36-year-old is slated to be the team's No. 2 starter behind ace, Clayton Kershaw. He posted a 1.83 ERA in six starts with L.A., winning three of them. In three postseason starts, he recorded a 3.46 ERA, including a Game-3 NLCS win over the Cubs. All of this after not making his Dodger debut unitl August 24th due to blister issues.
In 12 years in the majors, Hill is 38-28 with a 4.10 ERA in 221 career games.
And in a trade that was announced Tuesday morning, the Boston Red Sox dealt third baseman, Travis Shaw, to the Milwaukee Brewers for reliever, Tyler Thornburg. This trade could lead to the return of Pablo Sandoval in the Boston lineup. The Red Sox also sent infield prospect, Mauricio Dubon and Single-A pitcher, Josh Pennington to Milwaukee.
The 28-year-old Thornburg recorded a 2.15 ERA along with 13 saves and 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings in 67 appearances. He ended up taking over as the team's closer after the Brewers dealt Jeremy Jeffress to the Rangers. Boston has control over his contract through 2019.
Shaw hit 16 home runs and drove in 71 after taking over for Sandoval, who dealt with injuries throughout the season. Even when he was healthy, he struggled to produce, which kept Shaw in the starting lineup. The team is hoping they can get Sandoval back on track after giving him a five-year, $95 million contract.
