For a second straight year the Los Angeles Dodgers opened the annual MLB Winter Meetings with a splash. But whereas their trade for Aroldis Chapman fell through, there weren’t any snags in re-signing Rich Hill.
The veteran left-hander was one of the team’s marquee free agents, joined in free agency by Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner — after the duo rejected qualifying offers from the Dodgers. Monday saw plenty of action, with Los Angeles reportedly agreeing to terms with Jansen and nearing an agreement with Turner.
Jansen’s deal is said to be for five years and $80 million, and include an opt-out after the 2019 season. He rejected a more lucrative offer from the Washington Nationals to return with the Dodgers.
Along with Jansen’s deal including an opt-out clause, he also would receive a bonus in the event of a trade, per Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
Sources: Jansen deal with #Dodgers does not include no-trade clause. Assignment bonus if traded. Three-year opt-out, as @TBrownYahoo said.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2016
Considering Chapman and Jansen were viewed as the top relievers available this winter, the similarities between their respective contracts is clear. Chapman received a five-year, $86 million pact from the New York Yankees, and can also opt out after the third year.
Where a difference lies is Chapman can block a trade to any team on the West Coast through the first three years of his contract and has a limited no-trade clause over the final two years.
Chapman’s $86 million contract shattered Jonathan Papelbon’s record (four years, $50 million) for richest contract signed by a relief pitcher. Jansen’s $80 million deal is the second-richest.
In his three seasons as a full-time closer for the Dodgers, Jansen has 127 saves with a 2.32 ERA, 1.80 FIP, 0.86 WHIP and averaged 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
