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The Los Angeles Dodgers offseason is likely close to complete once the latest signings of Roki Sasaki and Tanner Scott become official. However, that doesn’t mean current free agents don’t still want to join the defending champions.
On Monday, TMZ Sports spoke to former longtime Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, who was coming back to his home in Los Angeles.
Jansen was asked if he could return to the Dodgers in free agency.
“You never know,” Jansen said. “I’m a free agent, so we’ll see where it goes.”
More news: What’s Next for the Dodgers Following Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott Signings?
He was then asked if he would say yes to the Dodgers if they called him.
“I’m ready to play, man,” Jansen said. “I’m ready to play, wherever it is.”
Jansen signed with the Dodgers back in 2004 and was with the organization until 2021. He began his tenure with the team as a catcher, but ended up transitioning to becoming a pitcher, and quickly turned into one of the best relievers in baseball.
Across his 12 seasons with the Dodgers, Jansen accumulated 350 saves, which is by far the most in franchise history. He had a 2.37 ERA and was a part of tons of winning teams, including the 2020 World Series champions.
After the 2021 season, Jansen hit free agency, where he ended up signing with the Atlanta Braves. He then spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Boston Red Sox.
Now, the 37-year-old Jansen is a free agent again, and is still looking to continue his playing career.
Last year, Jansen had a 3.29 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 27 saves across 54.2 innings. He was an All-Star as recently as 2023, which was his first All-Star appearance since he made three straight with the Dodgers from 2016-18.
With the Dodgers’ recent addition of Scott, it’s hard to imagine the team making another major bullpen addition. However, the Dodgers have learned more than anyone that a team can truly never have enough depth, especially on the pitching side.
Towards the end of the 90-second long interview, Jansen was asked if he thought what the Dodgers were doing was unfair.
“It’s not unfair,” Jansen said. “They want to compete. They want to win the World Series — they want to win another one — and it’s good for them.”
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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