The Washington Nationals have found their new closer. The team has landed Mark Melancon from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Sources: #Nationals getting Melancon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2016
The Nationals had looked at plenty of closers, from Aroldis Chapman to Wade Davis. They needed to add one given Jonathan Papelbon's rough few games. Melancon is a rental, as he'll be a free agent after this season. The Nationals are sending one MLB player and a prospect to Pittsburgh.
As reported by @jonheyman. Melancon for Rivero and Hearn. https://t.co/7T8mv5e1Dw
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2016
Rivero has a 4.53 ERA, but the lefty is better than the ERA might otherwise indicate. His WHIP is just 1.17 and he posted a 2.79 ERA last season. Taylor Hearn is the prospect in the deal. A 6-foot-5 left, he's a top 30 prospect in the Nationals' organization. He was a fifth round pick in 2015 and was last at A-Ball for the Nats.
There were rumblings that Erick Fedde was going to be included. However, it appears the Nationals are keeping their No. 5 overall prospect.
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