The Washington Nationals got off to a rough start on the first day of the MLB Winter Meetings Dec. 5 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, located just south of Nationals Park.
During the day, general manager Mike Rizzo learned closer Mark Melancon, acquired in a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates in late July, signed as a free agent with the San Francisco Giants. Melancon combined to save 47 games last year during time with Pittsburgh and Washington.
"We gave an offer we felt was market value," Rizzo said. "He is one of the elite closers in the game and a great teammate. At the end of the day, the Giants offered him more, and he took the deal. That is what free agency is all about."
