Close Article Return to stream X
MLB •

MLB Trade Rumors: Top 5 Landing Spots For Kenley Jansen

+Read full article
Getty Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired closer Aroldis Chapman, which means Kenley Jansen will be setting up for him at the moment. However, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal says sources close to Jansen wouldn’t be happy about getting pushed from the closer role.

That means a trade might be necessary. If the Dodgers elect to go that route, here are five teams that would make sense.

5. Cleveland Indians

Cleveland Indians Getty Images
Cody Allen is a solid closer for the Indians, but he's still young and could set up for Jansen in 2016 while the veteran is trying to prove himself to next offseason's suitors. The closer becomes a free agent next winter. Then, if Allen performs well, he can transition back into the closer role following the season. This move would strengthen the bullpen in a division now full of good relief units.

Cody Allen is a solid closer for the Indians, but he's still young and could set up for Jansen in 2016 while the veteran is trying to prove himself to next offseason's suitors. The closer becomes a free agent next winter. Then, if Allen performs well, he can transition back into the closer role following the season. This move would strengthen the bullpen in a division now full of good relief units.

4. Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles Getty Images
Baltimore needs to make a splash this offseason even though they've already made a small one by bringing back Darren O'Day. He's never been much of a closer, even though he's been a great late-inning reliever over the years. Having Jansen and O'Day as a 1-2 punch in the back end would be scary for opposing teams.

Baltimore needs to make a splash this offseason even though they've already made a small one by bringing back Darren O'Day. He's never been much of a closer, even though he's been a great late-inning reliever over the years. Having Jansen and O'Day as a 1-2 punch in the back end would be scary for opposing teams.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks Getty Images
Arizona hasn't quieted down even after signing Zack Greinke to a record contract last week and are still exploring trade options. It would be hard for them to pry Jansen from the Dodgers within the division, but if they overwhelmed them with prospects, it would be possible. It would also make the D'Backs' bullpen formidable.

Arizona hasn't quieted down even after signing Zack Greinke to a record contract last week and are still exploring trade options. It would be hard for them to pry Jansen from the Dodgers within the division, but if they overwhelmed them with prospects, it would be possible. It would also make the D'Backs' bullpen formidable.

2. Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals Andy Marlin-USA Today Sports
Washington wants to get rid of Jonathan Papelbon, meaning they're going to need another closer. They're exploring plenty of options including Mark Melancon and others, but Jansen might make more sense for them. It would only be a one-year commitment, and if he pitched well, they might have the inside track on him in free agency next offseason.

Washington wants to get rid of Jonathan Papelbon, meaning they're going to need another closer. They're exploring plenty of options including Mark Melancon and others, but Jansen might make more sense for them. It would only be a one-year commitment, and if he pitched well, they might have the inside track on him in free agency next offseason.

1. Houston Astros

Houston Astros Getty Images
Houston, while having one of the best bullpens in the American League already, is seeking a true closer as they essentially have two setup men in the back end right now. Jansen would be that guy and would likely come at a lesser cost than some of the other relievers they've looked at. He would complete their bullpen and quite possibly make them the favorites in the AL.

Houston, while having one of the best bullpens in the American League already, is seeking a true closer as they essentially have two setup men in the back end right now. Jansen would be that guy and would likely come at a lesser cost than some of the other relievers they've looked at. He would complete their bullpen and quite possibly make them the favorites in the AL.

Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
MLB• Videos•

Watch Chase Utley Go For Takeout Slide Again

Chase Utley earned well-deserved criticism for a takeout slide in last year's playoffs, and he's off on the same foot in 2016 as he tried to take out Padres catcher Derek Norris.

Comment 0 Comments