The Dodgers' bullpen this season wouldn't land atop a list of issues facing the team as the MLB trade deadline approaches. However, contending teams can always use bullpen help and Los Angeles has the assets to take big swings to improve that unit in the trade market. MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post believes LA will be reuniting with former closer Kenley Jansen at the deadline this year.
Jansen last pitched for the Dodgers in 2021 when he put up a 4-4 record and a 2.22 ERA with 38 saves in 69 appearances. Since then he spent a season in Atlanta before joining the Red Sox in the 2022 offseason. His numbers have been strong over that span as well.
In 2022 he led all of baseball with 41 saves for the Braves. In total he has 81 saves in 138 appearances across the last two-plus seasons. His ERA overall since then sits at 3.35, but it has come down thanks to a 2.74 ERA in 22 games this year.
With Jansen in their bullpen the Dodgers could really shorten games for opposing teams and take some of the pressure off their starting rotation. That could be particularly important if the triceps injury that landed Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the 15-day IL becomes a more serious issue.
Jansen would join Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips and Daniel Hudson as late-inning options for manager Dave Roberts. Alex Vesia and Yohan Ramirez have also been reliable bullpen arms for LA. And that's where the rub would be with acquiring the 36-year-old Jansen. It wouldn't necessarily address a pressing need, and assets used to snag him from Boston might be better used to upgrade third base or an outfield spot, or add a shortstop that allows Mookie Betts to move back to the outfield.
However, a strong bullpen can singlehandedly win a playoff series. And if the Dodgers can be in a spot come October where Roberts can get a starter through 5.0 innings on a shortened rotation, then go the final four innings with some combination of Jansen, Treinen, Phillips, Hudson, Vesia and Ramirez, it would force opposing offenses to string together hits against a slew of outstanding bullpen arms.
The Dodgers may not be the team most in need of a player like Jansen, but they'd be wise to go make such a move if it surfaces.
