The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back their reliable closer, agreeing on 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.
Jansen had a 1.83 ERA with 104 strikeouts over 71 appearances and 68 innings.
St. Petersburg, Fla.
The signing announced on Monday provides the 29-year-old, who’s recovering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, an opportunity to earn an additional $5.75 million in incentives.
Ramos was a NL all-star last season with the Washington Nationals, batting .307 with 22 homers and 80 RBIs in 131 games. He’s expected to return from his knee injury at some point next summer.
Senior vice president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said the team is excited about what Ramos potentially adds on both offense and defense, adding that when healthy “Ramos is one of the best all-around catchers in baseball.”
St. Louis
Schafer spent parts of six seasons playing in the outfield for the Braves, Astros and Twins before making the transition to pitcher. Fryer appeared in a career high 60 games with St. Louis and Pittsburgh last season, while Lino had made 464 minor league appearances.