The Los Angeles Dodgers have dominated the MLB offseason, fortifying their lineup with Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernandez while strengthening their rotation with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. With spring training closing in, it appears the Dodgers might not be done.
Los Angeles has devoted the winter to spending over $1 billion over the next 10 years. Hernande ($23.5 million in 2024), Yamamoto (12 years, $325 million) and Ohtani (10 years, $700 million) joined the list of the highest-paid MLB players. The Dodgers also acquired Tyler Glasnow and signed him to a five-year, $136.5 million deal.
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While the Dodgers already have the best roster in MLB and are strong favorites to win the World Series in 2024, the front office isn’t done. With ownership fully committed to winning a championship at any cost, Los Angeles is now focused on strengthening its bullpen.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote that the Dodgers are ‘more focused” on landing a high-leverage reliever before the season. While free agent Ryan Brasier is one option, he also mentions a trade for Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen.
Jansen, who is owed $16 million in 2024 in the final year of his dear, stands out as a reasonable trade candidate. With the Red Sox placing a priority on shedding payroll, just as they did with the Chris Sale trade, Los Angeles could reunite with Jansen by taking on the majority of his salary and reducing the prospect capital required in return.
- Kenley Jansen stats 2023: 29 saves, 3.63 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 52/17 K/BB
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The 36-year-old could share the job with Evan Phillips (2.05 ERA, 0.83 WHIP) or serve as a set-up man to the current Dodgers’ closer. Jansen spent 12 years in Los Angeles (2010-’21), recording 350 saves with a 2.37 ERA in 705 innings pitched. Currently sitting at 420 career saves, Jansen would have a chance to pass Billy Wagner (322), John Franco (424) and potentially challenge Francisco Rodriguez (437) for all-time saves in MLB history.
