The Yankees might be eyeing a former Dodgers icon to bolster their bullpen for another World Series run.
Kenley Jansen, the longtime Dodgers closer now with the Angels, could be a trade target for New York as they look to strengthen their relief corps, according to Newsweek’s Jon Vankin. It’s an intriguing possibility that would add another layer to the budding Yankees-Dodgers rivalry that saw Los Angeles take down New York in five games last October.
The Yankees have struggled with inconsistency from two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams this season, creating a need for a reliable late-inning option. Jansen, who’s playing on a $10 million deal with the Angels, could be available as the non-contending Halos look toward the future.
“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.
Just imagine the scene: It’s late in a World Series game at Dodger Stadium. The Yankees have a slim lead. And jogging in from the bullpen to face his former team in the biggest moment possible is… Kenley Jansen in pinstripes.
The 37-year-old closer spent 12 seasons as a Dodger, racking up an impressive 350 saves and making three All-Star teams before moving on to Atlanta and Boston. He’s now with the Angels after signing there this past offseason.
Vankin suggests the Yankees could land Jansen without giving up premium prospects. “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.”
While it would certainly be jarring for Dodgers fans to see their former closer pitching for the Yankees in a potential World Series rematch, there’s not much LA can do about it. The Dodgers’ bullpen is already loaded with talent, leaving little reason for them to pursue a reunion with their former closer.
Both powerhouse teams have the pieces to make another World Series run. And if the Yankees add Jansen to their bullpen, it would add yet another compelling storyline to what’s becoming one of baseball’s most intriguing rivalries.
