Former Dodgers All-Star, Fan Favorite Open to Return to LA in Potential Blockbuster Signing
The Los Angeles Dodgers are likely done making major moves this offseason after they’ve already added Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott, Hyeseong Kim and Michael Conforto, while retaining Teoscar Hernández and Blake Treinen.
More news: Dodgers All-Star ‘Praying’ LA Signs One Specific Free Agent Two marginal moves the team could make is bringing back utility man Kiké Hernández and future Hall of Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw. But outside of that, the roster appears to be set.
That doesn’t mean current free agents aren’t interested in joining the reigning World Series champions, though. On Monday, former Dodgers All-Star closer Kenley Jansen spoke to TMZ Sports at the airport as he returned to his home in Los Angeles.
He was asked if he could reunite with the Dodgers in free agency this offseason. “You never know,” Jansen said. “I’m a free agent, so we’ll see where it goes.” Jansen began his professional career with the Dodgers in 2004 as a catcher. The team transitioned him to being a pitcher, and within a few years of making his MLB debut, he became the team’s full-time closer.
Jansen spent 12 seasons with the Dodgers at the MLB level, earning three All-Star selections and winning the 2020 World Series. He completed his Dodgers career with 350 saves, by far the most in franchise history.
More news: Dodgers Urged to Sign $4 Million World Series Champion in Blockbuster Move After the 2021 season, Jansen signed with the Atlanta Braves in free agency.
He then signed with the Boston Red Sox, and spent the last two seasons there, even earning his fourth All-Star nod in 2023. Now, Jansen is a free agent again, and was asked if he would sign with the Dodgers if they called him. “I’m ready to play, man,” Jansen said. “I’m ready to play, wherever it is.” The Dodgers’ recent signing of All-Star left-handed reliever Tanner Scott makes it unlikely the team also adds Jansen.
However, the Dodgers know better than any team how important depth is, especially on the pitching side. The reliever market was quiet for most of the offseason, but finally picked up in recent days, meaning Jansen should be able to find his next landing spot sooner rather than later.
While it’s unlikely to be with the Dodgers after their busy offseason, Jansen had nothing but praise for his former team “It’s not unfair,” Jansen said when the interviewer called it “almost unfair” how good the Dodgers are. “They want to compete. They want to win the World Series – they want to win another one – and it’s good for them.”
