Kenley Jansen remains among the Los Angeles Dodgers who are still free agents, which came as somewhat of a surprising considering his resurgent 2021 season.
Prior to the MLB lockout beginning, Jansen reportedly fielded interest from the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies. Though, it’s unclear if the Phillies may pursue Jansen once a new collective bargaining agreement is in place as they signed Corey Knebel to a one-year contract.
The Dodgers are also believed to have interest in re-signing Jansen, but perhaps only on a team-friendly deal.
While Jansen and other players await a new CBA that will allow for free agency and other MLB business to resume, his offseason has now included playing the guitar onstage for a holiday performance with a musical group from Curacao.
Jansen’s interest in music has previously been documented on SportsNet LA’s “Backstage: Dodgers” in which he detailed learning how to play the piano. The Dodgers’ all-time saves leader began to use it as a means of escaping from the day-to-day pressure of being a closer.
Jansen emphasizes mental health
While Jansen is judged for his results from on-field performance, he believes that is related to being in a healthy place mentally.
After bouncing back from a rough patch earlier this year, Jansen revealed he had taken to therapy and emphasized maintaining strong mental fortitude was just as key as mechanics.
The 34-year-old finished the season 4-4 with 38 saves, a 2.22 ERA, 3.08 FIP and 1.04 WHIP in his 12th season with the Dodgers. Jansen was named to the All-MLB Second Team.
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