One relief pitcher the Blue Jays should consider after signing Yimi Garcia

It is no secret that this offseason is producing one of the most stacked free-agent classes in recent memory, led by numerous middle infielders looking to cash in as well veteran pitchers that many teams are chomping at the bit to bring them in. The Blue Jays have a few players heading to free agency such as Robbie Ray, Marcus Semien, and Steven Matz, with the former Mets starter already signing a four-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this week.

While the Blue Jays are most likely not going to be making a big splash and bringing in Corey Seager or Carlos Correa on a long-term deal over $300 million, there are some names that the club should be connected to this offseason (and already have). Ray returning to the Jays seems like a possibility while the front office also appears interested in former Giants starter Kevin Gausman. The club was interested in Justin Verlander, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Noah Syndergaard before they all signed contracts elsewhere early this winter, showing that the Blue Jays are indeed willing to spend this offseason in order to improve the roster.

One area Ross Atkins and co. should be looking to improve this offseason is the bullpen, as the Blue Jays rotated through a few different individuals and ultimately put too much faith in pitchers that cost them games like Tyler Chatwood and Rafael Dolis. If the franchise is looking to improve moving forward, they may want to consider adding some reinforcements to the current core of Tim Mayza, Adam Cimber, Trevor Richards, and Jordan Romano. They have already added a strong presence in right-hander Yimi Garcia to the mix but having another arm or two in the pen would go a long way this season.

There are some top-tier relief pitchers available this offseason like Raisel Iglesias (tied to draft pick compensation) and Kenley Jansen but there is one pitcher the Blue Jays should explore bringing to Toronto.

While Raisel Iglesias and Kenley Jansen may be generating the most buzz, the Blue Jays should consider right-hander Mark Melancon for the bullpen.

A 13 year veteran in the Major Leagues, right-hander Mark Melancon has been a pretty solid relief option throughout his career. He has bounced around eight different organizations throughout his career but has put up pretty respectable numbers to the tune of a 2.79 ERA through 670 appearances with 608 strikeouts and a 1.141 WHIP. The Colorado product has also recorded 244 saves and owns a 8.2 K/9 and a 2.3 BB/9 throughout his career. He earned his fourth All-Star nomination last year with the San Diego Padres and was also the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award winner back in 2015.

Spending the 2021 campaign with the Padres on a one-year deal with an option for the 2022 campaign, Melancon posted a 2.23 ERA through 64 appearances with 59 strikeouts on his way to a league-leading 39 saves. The 36-year-old decided to decline his $5 million option and is currently a free agent.

While the likes of Iglesias and Jansen may dominate the headlines, Melancon is a player who would bring veteran experience and a positive track record to the Blue Jays bullpen, a compliment and an improvement to the current relief corps. Romano could most likely stay in as the closer while Melancon could slot in as a setup option beside the right-hander, adding another dependable arm that manager Charlie Montoyo could call upon. Melancon would also be a cheaper option than what Iglesias or Jansen would be asking for this offseason and provide the same type of benefit while keeping Romano in the closer position.

Understandably there is some risk with this signing, with flashbacks to the Brad Hand trade and fallout freshly in the mind of Blue Jays fans. If the club wants to improve the bullpen but also re-sign Ray and/or go after Kevin Gausman, then Melancon provides the needed improvement while not being tied to draft pick compensation or costing as much as the headlining free-agent relievers but providing similar numbers.

The right-hander will most likely generate some interest this offseason but seems to be more of an afterthought even though he has great career numbers and posted an all-star campaign with the Padres last season. The Blue Jays would be wise to take a look at the veteran relief pitcher to help improve the bullpen for at least next season and possibly beyond.