The Washington Nationals came up short in the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, squandering a 2-1 series lead. Now, they're hoping to avoid being on the losing end of the Mark Melancon sweepstakes this winter.

The Nats are expected to "go hard" after re-signing Melancon, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

Melancon is coming off his third All-Star season, finishing the year with 47 saves -- which was tied for second in the majors -- and 65 strikeouts. The Pittsburgh Pirates dealt Melancon to the Nationals in late July before the trade deadline.

The 31-year-old did great work in Washington, accounting for 17 saves and allowing just six runs in the final two months of the regular season.

The Nationals will have several competitors looking to sign the efficient closer during free agency, including the Boston Red Sox, Cafardo opines. Nevertheless, bringing back Melancon or finding a new closer will be one of Washington's top priorities entering the offseason, ESPN's Jim Bowden notes.

-- Josiah Turner