Dodgers Trade Pitch Swaps Prospect for Reunion With $16 Million All-Star
The Los Angeles Dodgers are now set to bring back franchise starter Clayton Kershaw, but that might not be the only high-profile reunion for the team’s pitching staff this offseason.
Addressing the Dodgers’ need for an impact late-inning arm, Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report wrote that they could trade pitching prospect Maddux Bruns to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for reliever Kenley Jansen and cash considerations.
“Jansen could still be in play for the Dodgers,” Rymer noted. “They know him well from their previous 12-year partnership, and he’s still going strong. Better than strong, even, as last year saw the 36-year-old add 2 mph to his cutter.”
How a Reunion With Kenley Jansen Could Impact the Los Angeles Dodgers Bullpen
Jansen emerged as one of the best closers in baseball during his time in Los Angeles, earning three all-star bids as well as votes for the rookie of the year, Cy Young and MVP awards between 2010 and 2021 with the Dodgers.
In 2022, Jansen signed a one-year, $16 million contract with the Atlanta Braves. After posting a career-high for games finished in the following season, he agreed to a two-year, $32 million contract with the Red Sox and went on to make his fourth All-Star Game in 2023.