Diamondbacks Sign Veteran Closer

They're not a team you heard much about during the free agent frenzy of the past few weeks, but the Arizona Diamondbacks do still reside in major league baseball apparently, as they've signed veteran closer Mark Melancon to a two-year deal.

Free-agent reliever Mark Melancon in agreement with DBacks on two-year contract, pending physical, sources tell @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 1, 2021

The contract is worth $14M. 

Melancon will be 37 in 2022, but he's been a solid high-leverage reliever throughout his career, sporting a lifetime 2.79 ERA, and 244 saves. 

He made his 4th All-Star team in 2021 with the San Diego Padres, posting a league-leading 39 saves. That's 17 more than the entire D-Backs bullpen managed for the season.

Melancon declined his $5M option with the Padres, and was able to win himself a raise, and an extra year, with the $14M deal with the D-Backs.

Arizona is also looking at a number of other relievers to help fortify their league-worst bullpen (5.08 ERA, MLB-worst 22 saves along with 28 blown saves). 

Some free-agent pitchers who appear to be on the Diamondbacks' radar, per sources:

- Wily Peralta
- Hunter Strickland
- Bryan Shaw

The Diamondbacks have at least checked on those names, although it's not clear if a deal will come together before the expected Dec. 2 lockout.

— Zach Buchanan (@ZHBuchanan) November 29, 2021

Hunter Strickland and Bryan Shaw each have some late-inning experience, while Wily Peralta had a surprisingly good season with the Detroit Tigers as a starter, after a year off from the majors. 

Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports