Dodgers Among Two NL West Teams Connected to Potential Kenley Jansen Trade
The Los Angeles Dodgers have committed over $1 billion this offseason to multiple free agents, but it seems that the team may not be done there. The front office still could look into upgrading the bullpen, including finding a more traditional closer.
The team has been connected with multiple names this offseason, including Josh Hader before he landed with the Houston Astros. With all the smoke around a potential closer being added, maybe the team decides to pull the trigger.
The Dodgers are once again being connected with Kenley Jansen, but this time, so are the Padres. The New York Post's Jon Heyman listed both teams among the candidates to land Jansen if the Boston Red Sox were to move him.
"The Padres, seeking a lefty-hitting outfielder, are interested (in Jarren Duran from the Red Sox). And the Padres and Dodgers are among candidates for Jansen. But San Diego may be more interested in a starter like Hyun-Jin Ryu."
Jansen showed that he still has something left in his tank last season with Boston, earning a spot in the All-Star game. He posted an ERA of 0.63 across save situations for the Red Sox and could provide some extra depth to either team's bullpen.
He would likely welcome a deal with either the Dodgers or Padres, given that Boston isn't expected to be a contender this season. However, a move for Jansen could be tricky since he is still owed $16 million for next season.
The Red Sox would surely have to foot some of the bill for either team to be interested in making a trade for the veteran closer. A reunion in Los Angeles would be intriguing, but there are some fans who would be against such a move.
The Dodgers have a good bullpen already, and adding Jansen could stir up old wounds. Jansen and L.A. will continue to be linked together until a conclusion is reached on his status for next season.
