If there ever was a time to get your hands on an elite closer, it's now.
A number of high-profile ninth-inning arms are available in a trade throughout the MLB, the latest rumors suggest.
For starters, the Padres' Craig Kimbrel and Reds' Aroldis Chapman have been dangled in trade talks since before this year's non-waiver deadline. Yankees closer Andrew Miller was mentioned in such speculation yesterday, and now one more notable name has entered the discussion.
"According to two rival GMs, the Pirates' Mark Melancon, the top closer in the National League this year and winner of the Trevor Hoffman award, is also out there for the taking, meaning four of the best ninth-inning guys in the game are being talked about in trade here. And possibly more," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
"'Everyone's closer is available,' one GM said. 'People, especially the young GMs, have no fear of trading their closer.'"
Heyman also mentioned Rangers' Shawn Tolleson, Phillies' Ken Giles as well as Nationals' Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen are available, which further suggests there is expected to be a robust market for closers/late-inning relievers this offseason.
It makes perfect sense as to why Kimbrel, Chapman and Papelbon are on the block. As for Miller, Melancon, Tolleson, Giles and Storen, the picture remains a bit murky.
Kimbrel and Chapman have high annual salaries and are on clubs that aren't in a good position to contend next season. Papelbon's scuffle with Bryce Harper in the Nationals' dugout at the end of the season (plus his $11 million salary) gives Washington a good reason to ship him out of town.
But Miller, Melancon, Tolleson and Storen are all on clubs with great potential next year and all have been productive while Giles is a promising young talent on an up-and-coming club. Yes, the Yankees, Pirates and Rangers have stacked bullpens and could perhaps absorb the loss, but the Nats are thin on relievers and Storen showed he's capable of being the closer last year (before the team decided to trade for Papelbon).
Miller is under contract for three more seasons at $9 million per year, and based on his performance in 2015 that salary almost looks like a bargain compared to that of Kimbrel's ($11 million in 2016, $13 million in 2017), David Robertson's ($11 million in '16, $12 million in '17, $13 million in '18) and Koji Uehara's ($9 million in '16). GM Brian Cashman might feel he could get great value for the left-hander and then put Dellin Betances in the closer role if Miller were to be moved.
Melancon also makes a bit of sense for Pittsburgh to trade due to their payroll issues. The small-market Pirates have a number of impending free agents and Melancon is projected to earn $10 million in his final year of arbitration. Perhaps GM Neal Huntington would rather use that $10 million to address other aspects of the roster.
Tolleson could bring the Rangers back a nice return considering he's entering his first year of arbitration eligibility and won't cost as nearly as much as other top arms. Texas could also cope with the loss due to the presence of Sam Freeman, Sam Dyson, Jake Diekman and Keone Kela in the bullpen. The Rangers' cast of relievers was one of the most improved units in the MLB this season.
As for Giles, this scenario is perhaps the most puzzling of all. The Phillies are stacked with young talent, including the 25-year-old right-hander who owns a 1.56 ERA in 113 career games over the past two seasons. Giles has been a big part of that bullpen, so it's unknown why the Phillies would want to trade someone who figures to be an integral aspect of their future.
Nonetheless, it looks like the market for closers could begin the trade mayhem this offseason.
