All offseason, the Dodgers have added left and right to their roster. The front office has committed over $1 billion to multiple players in free agency and trades, but they are still looking to potentially upgrade around the edges.
Los Angeles has put together a very strong team that should be able to go up against anyone in the league. But they have been looking into adding more talent within the bullpen.
One spot where the front office has been looking to upgrade is the closer position. The Dodgers have been linked with multiple late-inning arms this winter, giving some legs to the thought of bringing in a 9th-inning reliever.
They were interested in Josh Hader before he joined the Houston Astros, linked with Emmanuel Clase from the Cleveland Guardians and there has been talk about a reunion with closer Kenley Jansen.
The team has been connected to Jansen multiple times this offseason, and even with a few weeks left until the start of the season, it’s happening again.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman is reporting that the Dodgers are among the candidates to trade for Jansen. But if they want him, there will be some competition between the rival San Diego Padres.
“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.”
Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post
The 36-year-old right-hander would likely welcome a trade back to the Dodgers. He would leave a Boston Red Sox team that isn’t likely to compete heavily next season for a World Series contender.
The veteran made the All-Star team last season, showing that he still had some fuel left in the tank. He posted solid numbers in save situations (0.65 ERA) and would likely be used as a traditional closer if he returned to the team.
A move for Jansen could be tricky, however. The Dodgers aren’t going to want to trade much value for him, while the Red Sox could try to squeeze out anything they can get.
He is owed $16 million for next season, but if the Red Sox would foot some of the bill, a trade may be easier to swallow. Some fans would be sour on a reunion with Jansen, but he was a fan favorite during his time in Los Angeles and could provide extra depth to the bullpen.
However, Los Angeles may feel the bullpen is solid enough and could always look to acquire help at the trade deadline. But it seems that the Dodgers are still looking at the veteran, and a return could be in the cards.
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