NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — On the first day of the annual Winter Meetings, the Giants are close to accomplishing their biggest offseason goal.
The Giants and All-Star closer Mark Melancon are close to a deal, per league sources, with an announcement expected to come at some point Monday. Melancon is one of three big-name closers on the free agent market and he has been a priority for the Giants, who need a solution for the ninth inning.
If a deal gets done, Melancon will represent a significant upgrade for the bullpen. The 31-year-old has a 1.93 ERA over the past three seasons with 131 saves in 141 chances.
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The bullpen blew a franchise record 30 saves in 2016, including nine in September alone. The Giants gave back a lead of four-or-more runs on six occasions, tying for the MLB lead. In Game 4 of the NLDS, the final game of their season, the Giants could not hold a three-run lead against the Cubs.