LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back their reliable closer, agreeing Monday to an $80 million, five-year contract to keep All-Star Kenley Jansen, a person with knowledge of the deal said.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the deal has not been announced. The 29-year-old right-hander had a career-best 47 saves last season for the Dodgers, who won their fourth straight NL West title but lost a six-game NL Championship Series to the eventual World Series champion Chicago Cubs.
Jansen’s contract trails Aroldis Chapman‘s $86 million, five-year deal with the Yankees last week, while San Francisco added free agent closer Mark Melancon on a $62, four-year contract. Jansen likely ensures the Dodgers’ payroll will again top $200 million.
Los Angeles also was working to re-sign third baseman Justin Turner.
At last week’s baseball winter meetings, the Dodgers announced a $48 million, three-year contract with left-hander Rich Hill, acquired from Oakland at the trade deadline Aug. 1. Hill went 12-5 with a 2.12 ERA in 20 starts for the Dodgers and A’s, including 3-2 with a 1.83 ERA in six starts for Los Angeles.
Jansen had a 1.83 ERA with 104 strikeouts over 71 appearances and 68 2/3 innings. He has spent all seven of his big league seasons with Los Angeles, going 19-13 with a 2.20 ERA and 189 saves in 409 appearances.
