Cody Snavely
As we inch closer to July, trade rumors are filling the news feed. The latest rumor links the Los Angeles Dodgers and their National League West rival, the San Diego Padres, to Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers and Padres have shown interest in the veteran right-handed closer if he is made available by the July 30th deadline.
Jansen, 36, is having a nice season for Boston after inking a two-year $32 million contract after the 2022 season. So far, Jansen is 3-1, with a 2.30 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and thirty-two strikeouts in 27.1 innings pitched.
The Dodgers bullpen ranked second in Major League Baseball with a 3.02 ERA entering today despite multiple injuries to key pitchers such as Ryan Braiser, Joe Kelly, Bursdar Graterol, and even closer Evan Phillips, who missed time with hamstring tightness.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries to key pitchers such as Ryan Briaser, Joe Kelly, Bursdar Graterol, and even closer Evan Phillips, the Dodgers have once again demonstrated their resilience. They have been able to rely on their exceptional pitching depth to eat innings away in the bullpen and the resurgence of left-handed pitcher Alex Vesia.
Kenley Jansen spent twelve seasons with the Dodgers, posting a 2.37 ERA and holding the record for most saves in Dodgers history at 350.
After a 14-8 month of June, the Red Sox are now just a half-game back of the Kansas City Royals for the third and final spot in the American League Wild Card. This recent surge in performance will likely influence their deadline approach, especially if they remain in contention.
It is not the first time we’ve heard Jansen’s name in trade talk with the Dodgers. During this past offseason, numerous MLB insiders reported that the Dodgers and Red Sox had a dialogue, but talks fell through.
Jansen is in the final year of his two-year contract, where the right was set to earn $16 million. However, with the halfway mark officially passed, the Dodgers would only be responsible for about $8 million, a significant financial consideration in any trade deal.
Many Dodgers fans have varying opinions on a Jansen reunion due to the strained relationship at the end of his tenure and postseason failures, but Jansen would ultimately bring a much-needed veteran presence to an inexperienced bullpen.
