Giants’ commitment to winning drew Melancon

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — In one respect, the Giants had to squeeze Mark Melancon onto their roster.

Mostly, however, the Giants’ new closer seemed like a perfect fit for manager Bruce Bochy’s band of professionals that has posted winning records in seven of the last eight seasons.

Melancon, who became the Major Leagues’ highest-paid reliever Monday when he and the Giants agreed on a four-year, $62 million contract, has amassed 147 saves since 2013, the third-highest total in the big leagues in that span. Moreover, he has thrived where he’ll be needed most.

The 31-year-old right-hander owns a 1.35 ERA with six saves in seven lifetime appearances at AT&T Park. He also owns career ERAs OF 1.13 against Los Angeles, 0.98 against Colorado, 2.29 against Arizona and 3.55 against San Diego — the Giants’ National League West rivals.

The expense of acquiring Melancon was compounded by the fact that it hiked San Francisco’s payroll past the $195 million Competitive Balance Tax threshold to $200 million, guaranteeing the Giants must pay a yet-to-be-determined premium for signing Melancon.

By all accounts, he’s worth the extra outlay.

“That was a pretty easy decision because of the value we …

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