The Los Angeles Dodgers have some vacancies in their bullpen after several players left in free agency this offseason, and Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain thinks Kenley Jansen can occupy a spot in the Dodgers’ pitching staff next season.
Jansen, 39, spent the first 12 seasons of his MLB career with the Dodgers, and has bounced around MLB for the last five years as he continues putting together a Hall of Fame resume. He is the active saves leader with 498, and entered free agency after the Detroit Tigers declined his option for 2027.
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“Reason why I bring him back is one, he can still pitch,” McKain said. “He gives the Dodgers a late inning option. He gives them some depth. He gives them a reliable piece that knows how to pitch with that Dodgers jersey on. Do we know that from Edwin Diaz and Tanner Scott? We saw glimpses.
“So, imagine Kenley Jansen recording his 500th career save at Dodgers Stadium. It would be a tremendous homecoming story to see that. And he’s pretty darn good.”
“Like, sign him as bullpen depth. It’s not the centerpiece of a bullpen rebuild, but if you bring Kenley Jansen home, you bring him back with a job description.”
Jansen had a 3.20 ERA with the Tigers through 50 appearances last year, logging 22 saves while striking out 51 batters in 45 innings pitched.
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The Dodgers just lost two right-handed relievers to free agency in Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen, and Jansen could be a low-budget option to operate in high-leverage situations for LA.
He is also familiar with the Dodgers and catcher Will Smith, clearly an important factor for the Dodgers given their dealings at the trade deadline.
That being said, there are plenty of free agents more desirable than Jansen on the market at the moment. Adrian Morejon is the biggest reliever currently available, coming off of a few fantastic seasons with the San Diego Padres, and right-handers such as Raisel Iglesias, Bryan Abreu and David Bednar are also still available.
Do you think the Dodgers should give Kenley Jansen a shot to achieve his milestone 500th save in front of Los Angeles fans?
