The Los Angeles Dodgers moved one step closer to securing each of their marquee free agents, reportedly agreeing to terms with Kenley Jansen on a five-year, $80 million contract. The deal is said to include an opt-out clause after the 2019 season, when the right-hander will be 32 years old.
Jansen’s contract trails only Aroldis Chapman’s five-year, $86 million deal that he received from the New York Yankees this offseason, as the richest ever for a relief pitcher. After Chapman agreed to terms with the Yankees, there were reports Jansen was likely to decide between signing with the Miami Marlins or Washington Nationals.
The Marlins were viewed by some as the favorite, considering owner Jeffrey Loria’s desire to sign one of Chapman or Jansen.
Adam Katz, Jansen’s agent, explained Jansen received a more lucrative offer from the Nationals, but preferred to remain with the only organization he’s known as a professional, per Joel Sherman of The New York Post:
Jansen agent Adam Katz: “The Nationals’ presentation was exceptional and generous and for more money. (cont)
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2016
"They conducted recruitment of this player in a high caliber professional way. Kenley and I were very impressed.” (cont)
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2016
“At the end of the day Kenley loves Los Angeles, his Dodger family, the fans here and although money was a factor (cont)
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2016
it wasn’t the most important thing.” #Dodgers #Nationals
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2016
The Nationals’ offer could have net Jansen upwards of an additional $5 million, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports:
The #Nats were willing to pay as much as $5 million more for Kenley Jansen, but he wanted to stay home with #Dodgers
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 12, 2016
Considering this was Jansen’s first time reaching free agency, he was open throughout the season about wanting to seek the most gainful contract.
Jansen recorded 47 saves, a 1.83 ERA and 0.67 WHIP this season. He broke the Dodgers franchise record for most saves all-time, finished tied for second in the Majors in saves, and led qualified National League closers in WHIP and strikeouts (104).
