At the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline, Mark Melancon was the latest in a a long line of surprising, significant, and controllable trade acquisitions that Alex Anthopoulos has produced in his different stops as a general manager. Along with Chris Martin and Shane Greene, Mark played a significant role in the transformation of the Braves bullpen into one of the best relief units in the game. He also provided long needed stability in the role of closer for the Braves.
Entering 2020, despite already having significant financial commitments in place for Melancon, the Braves significantly invested in both quality and depth for their bullpen, signing Martin and talented southpaw Will Smith to multi-year deals and holding on to Shane Greene in his final year of arbitration.