Kenley Jansen expected to be traded this summer; should the Dodgers make a move for him?
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Boston Red Sox are preparing to trade former Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen before the trade deadline.
He’s making $16 million this season, and the Red Sox have little interest in bringing him back, especially since they’re not in contention for the World Series. Jansen was allegedly on the trade market this summer, but the Red Sox never made a move.
Should the Dodgers make a move for him?
This year, the 36-year-old has been a consistent performer for Boston. He has a 3.24 ERA in 17 outings, but he also has his career-high WHIP (1.32). Jansen must be on a winning team in order to execute his job and provide value to his club. He has only made nine saves this season.
Boston will seek young in return as the organization looks to the future, forcing the Dodgers to be picky about prospects. Los Angeles has also been missing closer Evan Phillips since he went on the injured list on May 5. He is getting closer to a comeback after starting his rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday.
An ideal bullpen arrangement would have Blake Treinen and Phillips setting up Jansen, but the price tag could be prohibitively expensive given that he becomes a free agent at the conclusion of the season. However, there is no assurance that the Dodgers and Jansen will agree on a contract extension that would bring him back to Los Angeles for more than a few months.
Jansen’s main impediment to a lucrative deal is his lack of authority. Potential buyers will be concerned about his 13.9 percent walk rate, despite his outstanding 29.2 percent strikeout percentage.
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