The Los Angeles Dodgers boast one of the top closers in baseball in Kenley Jansen, who has recorded 124 saves, and counting, over the past three seasons. Converted from catcher, Jansen emerged as the Dodgers’ answer when Brandon League faltered.
Jansen has already surpassed Eric Gagne for most saves in Dodgers franchise history, doing so in June. Gagne called Jansen the franchise’s best closer.
Despite his string of success, it wasn’t until this season that Jansen earned his first All-Star Game selection.
For as much as the 28-year-old has meant to the team, Jansen’s future with the Dodgers beyond this season is uncertain. He’s eligible for free agency, and some project he’s in line for a five-year contract.
According to Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball, Jansen knows the decision is not going to be an easy one:
“LA’s nice. LA’s great. LA gave me the opportunity. LA converted me when I failed as a catcher,” Jansen recalled. “I’m grateful about it, and will never forget LA. But at the same time, we’ll have to see what’s good for the family.”
“It’s going to be a tough decision,” Jansen said. “It’s not going to only be me.”
This season Jansen has anchored a Dodgers bullpen that has turned into one of the best in baseball as their 3.32 ERA ranks second behind only the Washington Nationals. The power right-hander has converted 46 of 52 save opportunities in 2016.
Jansen owns a 1.81 ERA, 1.32 FIP, 0.65 WHIP and has 97 strikeouts to nine walks over 64.2 innings pitched. While he’ll be coveted this fall, there will be competition with Chicago Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman also set to hit free agency.
What may work against Jansen is the Dodgers will have the option to extend the one-year, qualifying offer. The value of which is expected to be $16.7 million.
