Los Angeles Dodgers rumors this summer have linked the club to several top MLB trade candidates available in July. While no deal is imminent, one of the Dodgers trade targets has very real interest in playing for Los Angeles and competing for a World Series title.
The Dodgers are widely known to be in the market for pitching ahead of the MLB trade deadline. While Los Angeles is also interested in adding a shortstop and outfielder this summer, it’s biggest priority seems to be pitching depth.
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A primary focus has been on starters, especially Chicago White Sox’ All-Star hurler Garrett Crochet. Los Angeles hasn’t come close to any deal but an offer was made to the White Sox. As Los Angeles explores its options to acquire Crochet, another one of its targets is now expressing mutual interest.
During an appearance on Foul Territory, Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen said he wants to retire in a Dodgers uniform and end his career back in Los Angeles.
“If I had to speak for myself, yes. I want to see myself retire in Dodger Blue.”
Kenley Jansen on if he wants to end his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers
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- Kenley Jansen stats (Los Angeles Dodgers): 2.37 ERA,0.93 WHIP, 1,022 strikeouts, 350 saves in 705 innings
Jansen has been excellent this season in Boston. Entering MLB games today, Hansen has struck out 28 percent of batters faced with a .188 batting average allowed, a 1.05 WHIP and 18 saves. The 36-year-old’s batting average allowed and WHIP are the lowest since he played in Los Angeles.
While Jansen wouldn’t replace Evan Phillips as the Dodgers closer, he is already among the MLB all-time saves leaders. Jansen recently passed Francisco Rodriguez (437 saves) for the fifth-most saves in MLB history and he’s now just behind Craig Kimbrel (440 saves) in fourth on the all-time list.
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- Kenley Jansen contract: $16 million salary in 2024, 2025 MLB free agent
What’s more difficult to determine is if the Red Sox would even be willing to deal Jansen. Boston has rapidly climbed up the MLB standings, going from a likely seller to a potential buyer. If the Red Sox are ultimately willing to move their closer, the motivation would largely be financial.
