With closer Aroldis Chapman reportedly seeking a $100 million deal this offseason, the Washington Nationals could be turning their attention elsewhere.
Believing Chapman will cost too much regardless of whether he commands nine figures, the Nats are aiming to re-sign Mark Melancon, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.
Melancon, 31, is considered the cheaper alternative to Chapman and fellow free-agent Kenley Jansen. The right-hander posted a 1.64 ERA in 75 games between the Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates last season.
Meanwhile, Chapman, 28, posted a 1.55 ERA in 59 games between the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs in 2016. The lefty struck out 90 batters in 58 innings and possesses baseball's most potent fastball.
Plenty of other big-market clubs figure to be in the market for closers this winter, including the Yankees, Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, meaning the price for any of the top free-agent arms won't be cheap.
-- Kyle Brasseur
