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Mark Melancon 2022 Player Outlook: Won't Lead Majors In Saves, Expect A Drop In Chances With New Team In 2022
3 years agoArizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mark Melancon led the majors by converting 39-of-45 save opportunities in 2021. He signed a two-year, $14 million contract with Arizona during the offseason after posting a 2.23 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 64 2/3 innings for the San Diego Padres last season. The 36-year-old is expected to serve as the Diamondbacks closer and immediately upgrades the team's bullpen in 2022. He goes from a Padres team that won 79 games to a Diamondbacks team with the worst record (52-110) last year; fantasy managers shouldn't expect a repeat of 39 saves with his new club. Nothing about Melancon stands out; the veteran has a proven track record and is fourth among active relievers with 244 saves. Steamer is projecting a 3.94 ERA, 20.4 K%, 55.0 GB%, 3.87 FIP, and 30 saves for Melancon in 2022, making the right-hander extremely valuable in standard 5x5 Rotisserie leagues. According to Rotoballer's Expected Draft Values, the new Diamondbacks reliever is roughly fair value at his current NFBC ADP of 134.
