The Los Angeles Dodgers love a good reunion. Will any old friends return to Chavez Ravine midseason in 2025?
Dodgers legend and four-time All-Star closer Kenley Jansen is playing with the nearby Los Angeles Angels these days. He's a perfect six-for-six in save opportunities so far this season, and he hasn't allowed a run while striking out eight in eight innings.
Jansen, who ranks fourth all-time on the Major League Baseball saves leaderboard, may be 37 years old now, but he still looks like a star. He became a star during his 12-year tenure with the Dodgers, racking up 350 of those 453 saves.
Could the Dodgers actually consider bringing Jansen back for a second stint? Because according to one baseball analyst, he's a lock to be traded with the Angels languishing in last place.
On Wednesday, MLB Network's Greg Amsinger listed Jansen as the eighth-best "trade chip" approximately three months ahead of the Jul. 31 deadline.
"Kenley Jansen looks terrific," Amsinger said. "And this is my surprise team. I feel terrible. The Angels just don't look good right now. The last week and a half, they've been terrible."
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"Kenley looks great. And this future Hall of Famer wants to be in a winning environment. The velo, the spin, it's all A-plus. Kenley will be on the move."
The Dodgers spent big on their bullpen this winter by locking down 2024 All-Stars Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott and re-signing Blake Treinen. It's not likely Jansen would get the full-time closer job, but the Dodgers might be the one team he's willing to accept that demotion for.
It may not be all that likely, but it's a possibility to track as the season progresses, especially if the Dodgers are hit with the injury bug.
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