Through Monday morning and into the afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared destined to boast a bullpen version of what Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke were for the starting rotation over the past three seasons.
However, as the day wore on, uncertainty began to fill the Dodgers’ reported trade for Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman.
The deal may now be in limbo amid Chapman’s involvement in an alleged domestic violence incident at his Florida home on Oct. 30.
While Chapman will be investigated by Major League Baseball, whether the clubs elect to move forward with the trade is at their discretion.
Placgin Chapman at the back of the bullpen with Kenley Jansen would present the Dodgers with the opportunity to alternate two of baseball’s best closers in late-game situations. However, potentially unseating the Dodgers’ incumbent closer could be met with resistance.
According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, Jansen is feeling down over the Dodgers’ attempted trade:
Even if the Dodgers don't trade for Chapman, they have issues. Talked to someone who spoke with Kenley Jansen. Described him as "crushed"
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 8, 2015
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts spoke with Jansen to discuss the trade, per David Vassegh of AM 570:
Source: Andrew Friedman & Dave Roberts called Kenley Jansen yesterday to explain their vision of Chapman joining him at back end of bullpen
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) December 8, 2015
Jansen missed the first six weeks of the season as he recovered from a February foot surgery. The 28 year old proceeded to record 36 saves with a 2.41 ERA, 2.14 FIP and 0.78 WHIP.
He had 80 strikeouts to eight walks and averaged 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings, which ranked fourth among all relievers.
Jansen converted a career-best 44 saves in 2014, and ranks second on the Dodgers’ all-time leaders list with 142 saves; trailing only Eric Gagne’s 161.
