Report: Rival clubs believe Marlins willing to offer Jansen $80M deal
The Miami Marlins appear prepared to spend big in order to land a top-tier closer.
Rival clubs believe the Marlins are willing to offer free-agent right-hander Kenley Jansen a five-year, $80-million deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Miami would also be forced to surrender a draft pick to the Los Angeles Dodgers as compensation.
The Marlins have ramped up their efforts in recent days in an attempt to sign one of Jansen, Aroldis Chapman, or Mark Melancon, hoping to make a drastic improvement to their bullpen heading into 2017. Marlins skipper Don Mattingly managed Jansen in Los Angeles for five seasons before moving to Miami.
Jansen would go a long way in improving a Marlins relief corps that ranked 16th in the majors in ERA and 20th in WHIP in 2016. The 29-year-old posted a 1.83 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and 104 strikeouts in 68 2/3 innings while converting 47 saves. He owns a 2.19 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 215 appearances over the last four seasons.
In an effort to potentially fit in a pitcher like Jansen, the Marlins are reportedly interested in dealing current closer A.J. Ramos. The right-hander posted a 2.81 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 67 appearances last season, converting 40 saves. He's projected to earn $6.8 million in arbitration this winter.
Jansen has also received serious interest from the Dodgers.