Prior to the non-waiver deadline this season Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed confidence trades would not occur without his club included in the conversations, because of the Dodgers’ organizational depth.
Los Angeles was in the market for a starting pitcher, reliever and outfielder. They were linked to marquee names including, Chris Archer, Jay Bruce and Chris Sale, among others. The Dodgers wound up adding Jesse Chavez, Josh Fields, Rich Hill and Josh Reddick in three separate trades.
Now they’re one of multiple clubs with a need at closer, and have a trio of attractive options. Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen are highly-coveted, with Mark Melancon not far behind.
The Dodgers thus far have been tied to Chapman and Jansen. Though, of note, the Dodgers reportedly pursued a trade for Melancon prior to the deadline, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
#Dodgers did have serious talks with Pirates for Mark Melancon at trade deadline. Could be indication he could be a target in FA.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) November 14, 2016
The right-hander had a combined 47 saves with a 1.64 ERA, 2.42 FIP and 0.89 WHIP during time spent with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals. Melancon earned All-Star Game honors for a third time in his career.
Chapman and Jansen are both expected to shatter the record for largest contract a reliever received — four years and $50 million Johnathan Papelbon signed for in November 2011. The market could dictate Melancon exceeds the record as well.
The 31-year-old has garnered reported interest from the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and Nationals, among others.
