Dodgers Rumors: Kenley Jansen & Ryan Brasier Possibilities Amid Search For High-Leverage Reliever

Although the Los Angeles Dodgers have already spent more than $1 billion this offseason to upgrade their roster, they may not be done yet.

After signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto and trading for Tyler Glasnow, the Dodgers remained interested in adding another starting pitcher to their rotation. They reportedly addressed that by signing James Paxton to a one-year deal, adding a left-hander and veteran upside to the mix.

While the rotation was the primary focus, the Dodgers have also been connected to numerous high-leverage relievers, including Josh Hader and Robert Stephenson.

While both of them have since signed with other clubs, the Dodgers still appear to be on the hunt for a back-end bullpen arm, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:

Hernández also is drawing interest from other clubs, and the Dodgers seem more focused on adding a high-leverage reliever, perhaps Ryan Brasier as a free agent or the Red Sox’s Kenley Jansen in a trade.

The Dodgers have remained connected to Ryan Brasier throughout the offseason following his stellar time with the club in 2023. There has also been speculation the Boston Red Sox are looking to move Kenley Jansen, who could be a fit to return to the Dodgers as well.

While Brasier would be the easier fit to return to his setup role, adding Jansen would push Evan Phillips back into the fireman role, rather than locking him into the closer spot.

Brasier still seems to be the most likely option as the Dodgers remain strongly in the mix to sign the right-hander. He would also be the most cost-effective option available, making him all the more intriguing after all the money the club has spent this offseason.

Emmanuel Clase is another name whose name has been floated in trade rumors, and the Dodgers have been connected there as well. However, the cost for Clase will be extremely high, making the Dodgers unlikely to surrender the necessary assets to acquire him.

Dodgers face competition for Ryan Brasier

Brasier has drawn interest from multiple teams other than the Dodgers, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels and Chicago Cubs. The New York Yankees have also discussed the possibility of signing the 36-year-old.

With the Dodgers, he posted a minuscule 0.70 ERA, 2.48 FIP and 0.72 WHIP in 38.2 innings pitched across 39 appearances.

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