NATIONALS LAND CLOSER MARK MELANCON
The Washington Nationals acquired pitcher Mark Melancon from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitchers Felipe Rivero and Taylor Hearn.
What does it give the Washington Nationals
For Washington, landing a top-notch closer was a priority. Therefore, getting veteran Melancon from the Pirates should serve them well down the stretch. This move could be for the very short term, though, as Melancon is scheduled to become a free agent this winter. The Nationals appear to be solid pennant contenders in the National League this season, so acquiring Melancon now makes sense. He fills a hole in D.C., after veteran Jonathan Papelbon's struggles in recent weeks.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates were expected to contend in the National League Central division this season, but have been reduced to fighting for a Wild Card berth in the NL. They could still reach the postseason even after this trade, especially if Rivero makes an impact as a late-inning left-hander. That said, the key to this deal is Hearn, a young left-hander with a great arm and loads of upside. He is still several years away from the big leagues, but should eventually be worth the acquisition.
Fantasy impact
The big loser in this transaction is Shawn Kelley, who had just recently become Washington's closer in place of Papelbon. He will now go back to being the eighth-inning pitcher in front of Melancon. Obviously, Papelbon's chances of getting his closer job back are pretty much done, as well. Melancon could see a few more save chances in Washington, so his stock is slightly on the rise. As for Rivero, he could eventually become Pittsburgh's closer but will probably be in the setup mix for the rest of 2016. His fantasy prospects are getting even better. Hearn is on the keeper radar now but won't become a fantasy factor for some time. The new Pittsburgh closer figures to be left-hander Tony Watson, though veteran Neftali Feliz and Rivero may steal some save opportunities down the stretch.
