Free agent closer Mark Melancon signs record deal to join S.F.

[Auggie]

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Giants wanted Mark Melancon all along. Now they’ve got him.

On the first day of the winter meetings, the Giants finalized the signing of the closer they desperately needed. The deal is for four years and $62 million, the biggest contract in history for a closer.

Melancon, who turns 32 in March, will receive a $20 million signing bonus ($12 million up front, the rest due after the contract) with salaries of $4 million in 2017, $10 million in 2018, $14 million in 2019 and $14 million in 2020.

http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-Mark-Melancon-getting-deal-done-10694818.php

The deal is expected to be short-lived with free agent closers Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Janson yet to be signed.

Good news for the Giants, though this puts to end any speculation about signing Pirates outfield Andrew McCutchen. Says GM Bobby Evans:

"When you invest heavily in your rotation and you invest heavily in your bullpen and you invest heavily in your first baseman, your shortstop, your catcher, your right fielder, your center fielder, at some point, you need your farm system to raise up. You’ve got to find ways to do that. That just keeps organizations strong and keeps us flexible for other opportunities.

That leaves AAA underachievers (so far) Mac Williamson and/or Jarrett Parker in the outfield.

Excerpt link: http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-sign-closer-Melancon-with-record-deal-10702454.php

[True Dough]

1. Good signing for the Giants

Although costly, Melancon has been one of the best closers in the game for several years now.

[Kingofalldems]

2. Good guy and very reliable. Throws strikes, nice cutter.

[hughee99]

3. I like Melancon, but it feels like 4+ year, big money

Deals for closers rarely work out well. We'll have to wait and see.

[Auggie]

4. Yeah. Plus, the team payroll is expected to top the $195 million tax threshold.

Third straight year -- I thought they had been under it up until now. Spending this kind of money is something I loathe. It's a huge roll of the dice.