It's not often you see a playoff contender trade away its closer, but that's exactly what the Pittsburgh Pirates have done. Pittsburgh saw the prices relievers were going for on the trade market and shipped Mark Melancon to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Felipe Rivero and prospect Taylor Hearn. The deal was first reported by FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Melancon steps into a Nationals' bullpen that has been in search of a reliable "closer" for most of the season. Jonathan Papelbon converted has allowed 16 runs in 32 2/3 innings pitched.
This season, Melancon has pitched an 8.21 K/9 with a 4.22 K/BB rate, a 2.66 FIP and a 1.51 ERA. He has been lights out of the Pirates' bullpen and will provide Washington with a significant upgrade over Papelbon. Though Washington will have to work to re-sign him this offseason as he is a free agent.
For Pittsburgh, they acquire an exciting reliever in Rivero. While the lefty's 4.53 ERA would scare the eyes away, his 8.21 K/9 rate, 2.66 FIP, 4.22 K/BB ratio and a 100 mph fastball. While there is still some work he needs to do with his mechanics, Pittsburgh is the perfect landing spot for him. The 25-year-old reliever will be under contract for multiple seasons. Pittsburgh may lose a talented closer, but he would have walked in free agency and they already have a high-upside, seventh inning reliever.
The Pirates also acquired Hearn, who holds a ridiculous 12.31 K/9 and 4.43 K/9 rate for Single-A Hagerstown this season. Six of Hearn's eight appearances this season for Hagerstown have come out of the bullpen, though he has shown he can go at least three innings and could potentially have a future as a starter. The 21-year-old offers plenty of upside, whether he develops into a starter or reliever.