The Washington Nationals attempted to re-sign closer Mark Melancon, but he ultimately decided to agree to a four-year, $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants.
Thus, the Nats now are pursuing free-agent relievers Brad Ziegler and Neftali Feliz as potential alternatives, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports, citing sources. Both Ziegler and Feliz have experience closing, with Feliz winning AL Rookie of the Year filling such a role for the Texas Rangers in 2010.
Ziegler, 37, started 2016 as the Arizona Diamondbacks closer before being traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he only saved games when Craig Kimbrel was injured. The right-hander posted a 2.25 ERA and 22 saves in 69 games between the two clubs.
Meanwhile, Feliz, 28, hasn't racked up more than 15 saves in a season since 2011. Injuries derailed his career, but the right-hander bounced back with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016, registering a 3.52 ERA in 62 games.
Both pitchers figure to be in high demand from teams that miss out on Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen. As many as 13 teams have checked in on Ziegler, ESPN's Buster Olney reports.
As for Chapman, the Nats reportedly have deemed him out of their price range.
-- Kyle Brasseur
