Dodgers Reportedly 'Focused' on Adding High-Leverage Reliever
The Dodgers front office has spent a lot of money this offseason. They've committed over $1 billion to a few players, and it seems that they aren't done just yet.
This increased spending brings more pressure on the team to win. The organization is looking to do whatever it can to put itself into the best possible position to win the World Series next season.
While the team has upgraded all over the roster, they've been fairly quiet in the bullpen. However, it seems that Los Angeles may be looking to make their next move to help give them better chances in the late innings.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal has reported that the Dodgers are focused on adding a high-leverage reliever. He mentioned two names that Los Angeles fans are very familiar with.
"the Dodgers seem more focused on adding a high-leverage reliever, perhaps Ryan Brasier as a free agent or the Red Sox’s Kenley Jansen in a trade."
The interest in bringing back Ryan Brasier is there, but the demand for him could price him out of the Dodgers' plans. He was great for the team last season after joining on a minor-league contract in June.
He put up an ERA of 0.70 and a WHIP of 0.72 over 39 games for the Dodgers. Brasier worked 38.2 innings last season, striking out 38 batters during that time.
However, he wasn't very good with the Boston Red Sox before he joined Los Angeles. In 20 games for Boston, he posted an ERA of 7.29, leading to his release.
Now a reunion with Kenley Jansen could be interesting. There has been smoke around a potential reunion with Jansen earlier this offseason, so there is a possibility of it happening.
He would likely become their typical 9th-inning closer, and it would move relief pitcher Evan Phillips back to a more comfortable set-up man role. Jansen was good for the Boston Red Sox this past season and will be a free agent after the 2024 season.
Depending on what it would cost to land him, the Dodgers could look to bring him back for one more run. Fans would love it, and Los Angeles would get their closer.
