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MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Mark Melancon

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Mark Melancon (43) celebrates after their win against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 5-2.Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Mark Melancon (43) celebrates after their win against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 5-2.Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) pitches during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) pitches during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers had no real problems moving on from Zack Greinke last offseason when his asking price got out of hand. The front office led by Andrew Friedman has continued working its way out of the massive payroll hole and dead money left behind by previous regimes. As big contracts continue coming off the books, the Dodgers are getting back to more reasonable and manageable levels of payroll. Getting away from that plan to hand out a record-breaking contract to a closer may not be in the cards.

Without re-signing Jansen, the Dodgers will still desperately need a closer. There is already some interest in Melancon, and it will continue to grow. With the youth, familiarity, and strikeout stuff, Jansen should be the team’s top target, especially if money is no object.

The Dodgers are in an in-between state this offseason. They are bridging the gap between many of the older players left on the roster while waiting on a deep farm system to mature and reach the big leagues. Justin Turner is also a free agent with no easy replacement waiting in the farm system. The third baseman should be retained, as he has become one of the most consistent and dependable players in the lineup. Saving money on the closer by signing Melancon could help. Clayton Kershaw can opt out after the 2018 season, and the Dodgers must do everything in their power to show him they are serious about doing whatever it takes to match the budding Chicago Cubs dynasty.

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