Los Angeles Dodgers’ closer Kenley Jansen can finally add All-Star to his résumé after repeatedly getting snubbed in years past despite being one of the most dominant backend relievers in baseball.
Due to throwing 30 pitches to close out the first-half finale against the San Diego Padres, Jansen’s appearance in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday was minimal as he only faced one batter, Baltimore Orioles’ catcher Matt Wieters, who he struck out in the eighth inning.
Although he blew a fourth save this season on Saturday night, Jansen is putting together another strong campaign. It’s coming during a contract year as he is set to become a free agent after the season.
While it will mark the first time in Jansen’s career he reaches free agency, it’s not something the right-hander is giving much thought to, per Andy McCullough of the LA Times:
“I really don’t care about [it],” Jansen said. “At the end of the day, the way I see it, I’m going to play somewhere, anywhere next year. It’s either with the Dodgers or not with the Dodgers. At the end of the day, if God helps me to stay healthy, I’m going to play this game that I love.”
Jansen and the Dodgers avoided arbitration in January by agreeing to a one-year, $10.65 million contract. He presumably will seek a multiyear deal and it’s speculated Jansen could sign a record contract for a closer.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently said his hope is to re-sign Jansen, though stopped short of delving into specifics. Jansen previously made it clear that he would not hold contract negotiations during the season.
On the year he’s converted 27 of 31 save opportunities, owns a 1.36 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 52 strikeouts over 39.2 innings pitched.
