Yankees could trade for $10 million ex-Dodgers All-Star, MLB writer claims
Context:
A potential trade is being speculated where the New York Yankees could acquire former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Kenley Jansen, currently with the Los Angeles Angels, to bolster their bullpen. This move is suggested due to the Yankees' struggles with reliever Devin Williams and their pursuit of another World Series appearance. Jansen, a seasoned closer with 350 career saves, would be a short-term addition as he is expected to either re-enter free agency or retire after the season. The proposed trade would likely involve the Yankees parting with some lower-tier minor-league prospects, making it a low-cost acquisition. Despite the potential confusion among Dodgers fans, the Los Angeles bullpen remains strong, reducing their need to retain Jansen.
Dive Deeper:
The Yankees are considering a trade for Kenley Jansen, a former Dodgers closer, now with the Angels, to strengthen their bullpen for a potential World Series run. The team's current bullpen struggles, particularly with Devin Williams, have prompted this consideration.
Kenley Jansen, who has a remarkable record of 350 saves over 12 seasons with the Dodgers, is seen as a valuable short-term rental for the Yankees, as he might retire or enter free agency after the season.
The proposed trade suggests that the Yankees could secure Jansen by offering lower-tier minor-league pitching prospects, presenting a cost-effective solution to their bullpen issues.
While Jansen's move to the Yankees might be unsettling for Dodgers fans, the Dodgers' bullpen is currently well-equipped, minimizing their need to retain him.
The potential acquisition of Jansen highlights the Yankees' strategic moves to compete effectively in the MLB postseason, aiming to return to the World Series and possibly face the Dodgers again.
Jansen's career includes significant stints with the Dodgers, Braves, and Red Sox before his current contract with the Angels, reflecting his extensive experience and potential impact on the Yankees' roster.
The rivalry between the Yankees and Dodgers has been intensifying, especially after the Dodgers' victory over the Yankees in the 2024 World Series, fueling both teams' aspirations for future championships.
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have a bit of a powerhouse rivalry forming.
In the 2024 World Series, the Dodgers took down the Yankees in five games--and then talked a lot of smack about it for several months. Though repeat matchup are rare, both teams have the capability to get back to the Fall Classic in 2025.
Imagine the Yankees have a late lead in a World Series game against LA this season. The Dodgers are getting ready to send some of their stars to the plate. And in from the bullpen at Dodger Stadium jogs... Kenley Jansen?
The Dodgers icon moving over to the Bronx Bombers could be on the table, proposes one baseball writer who sees New York going after help in their bullpen.
On Thursday, Newsweek's Jon Vankin named Jansen, now with the Los Angeles Angels, as a realistic trade fit for the Yankees, who have had rough results from two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams this season.
"Because Jansen would be a partial-season rental for the Yankees — either re-entering free agency or retiring after this season when his contract expires — the price to get him out of Anaheim to the Bronx should not be high," Vankin wrote.
"A pair of lower minor-league pitching prospects... should be plenty to secure Jansen and stabilize the crucial high-leverage end of the Yankees bullpen as they pursue a return trip to the World Series."
Jansen, 37, played 12 seasons in Dodger blue, racking up 350 saves and making three All-Star teams. He moved on to play a year for the Atlanta Braves and two for the Boston Red Sox before signing a $10 million contract this year with the Angels.
While it sure would be confusing for Dodger fans to see Jansen play for another playoff contender, it's not as though there's anything LA can or should do about it. Their bullpen is already stuffed to the gills with talent.
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