Wade Davis

The Nationals land their new closer in a trade with the Pirates

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:10 p.m. ET

Chris Bahr

The NL East-leading Washington Nationals have addressed their ninth-inning need, acquiring closer Mark Melancon from the Pirates, FOX Sports MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal first reported Saturday afternoon.

Melancon, 31, is 1-1 with a 1.51 ERA, 30 saves and 38 strikeouts in 45 appearances (41 2/3 innings) this season.

Last season, Melancon had a career-high and major league-leading 51 saves for the Pirates. Over his eight-season career, he has 151 saves and a 2.65 ERA with the Pirates, Yankees, Astros and Red Sox. He is a three-time All-Star and will be a free agent after this season.

In return for Melancon, the Pirates get left-handed reliever Felipe Rivero and left-handed pitching prospect Taylor Hearn.

Prior to acquiring Melancon, the Nationals were reportedly in the mix for Aroldis Chapman, whom the Yankees ultimately dealt to the Cubs. They also reportedly had interest in Andrew Miller, another late-inning man in the Yankees’ bullpen, and Royals closer Wade Davis.

Washington’s need for a ninth-inning stopper intensified the past week when Jonathan Papelbon allowed seven earned runs over three appearances. Papelbon, acquired prior to the nonwaiver trade deadline last summer to take over as closer from Drew Storen, now sports a 4.41 ERA in this season.

As for the Pirates, they remain in the NL wild-card hunt and are expected to use Tony Watson and Neftali Feliz in the closer role.

Sources: #Nationals getting Melancon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2016

Sources: Felipe Rivero one of players heading from #Nationals to #Pirates.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2016

As reported by @jonheyman. Melancon for Rivero and Hearn. https://t.co/7T8mv5e1Dw
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2016

Sources: #Pirates might not be done. Trying to get a starting pitcher. Have to talked to #Rays, numerous other clubs.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2016