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Dodgers News: Kenley Jansen Contract Details

Daniel Starkand
2 Min Read
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday afternoon the Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced re-signing of closer Kenley Jansen to a five-year, $80 million contract. The deal is the largest a Dodgers reliever has ever received.

The commitment to Jansen was a bit surprising, as the Dodgers also re-signed Rich Hill and Justin Turner this offseason, despite a widespread belief the club was set to continue slashing their already Major League-high payroll.

Los Angeles does have some salaries coming off the books after the 2017 and 2018, which presumably played a role in Jansen’s five-year contract, Turner’s backloaded four-year deal, and three years Hill received. It should also be noted Jansen’s contract includes an opt-out clause.

In similar fashion to Turner’s contract structure, the Dodgers also backloaded Jansen’s deal, and he is to receive a bonus if traded, according to John Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball:

Jansen’s contract represents the largest Andrew Friedman has doled out as Dodgers president of baseball operations. Brandon McCarthy ($48 million over four years) and Scott Kazmir (three-year contract) previously shared the honor.

Jansen is coming off a season in which he was named an All-Star for the first time. In 2016 he had 47 saves with a 1.83 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. During the process he broke the Dodgers franchise record for most saves all-time, finished tied for second in the Majors in saves, and led qualified National League closers in WHIP and strikeouts (104).

Jansen explained his comfort level with the Dodgers and desire to bring the first World Series title to Los Angeles since 1988 factored heavily into his decision to re-sign.

Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com, Daniel also writes for LakersNation.com. Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com