Report: Dodgers, Kenley Jansen agree to five-year deal worth $80 million
The Los Angeles Dodgers and reliever Kenley Jansen have agreed to a five-year deal, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The deal is reportedly worth $80 million, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden.
Jansen finished last season with a 1.83 ERA, 47 saves and 104 strikeouts in 68 2/3 innings pitched for the Dodgers. Since converting from his role as a catcher, Jansen has recorded 189 career saves—all with the Dodgers—since 2010.
The Miami Marlins were considered in the running for Jansen but were reportedly hesitant to sign him, as that would have required giving up the No. 14 pick in the 2017 draft as compensation. Jansen declined a $17.2 million qualifying offer from the Dodgers before hitting the free-agent market. Marlins manager Don Mattingly reached out to Jansen to gauge his interest in playing for him again.
The Nationals also made a late push for Jansen, his agent Adam Katz tells Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
“The Nationals’ presentation was exceptional and generous and for more money. They conducted recruitment of this player in a high caliber professional way. Kenley and I were very impressed. At the end of the day Kenley loves Los Angeles, his Dodger family, the fans here and although money was a factor it wasn’t the most important thing.”
• ROSENTHAL: Nine stories to watch for rest of off-season (via Fox Sports)
Last week, Aroldis Chapman signed a five-year deal worth $86 million to return to the New York Yankees. Chapman was a member of the Yankees for 31 games in 2016 before being dealt to the Chicago Cubs in July. New York had interest in Jansen before signing Chapman.
Earlier in the off-season, the Dodgers inked left-handed starter Rich Hill to a three-year deal worth $48 million. The team is also nearing a new deal with third baseman Justin Turner, according to Rosenthal.
- Chris Chavez
