Ok, I admit it – that title was intentionally misleading. The ‘closer issue’ that I am referring to would be in the form of a closer on an opposing team – more specifically, on their most-hated division rivals, the San Francisco Giants.

It was reported by MLB Trade Rumors (a great website and Twitter follow, by the way) early Saturday morning that the Giants were “interested” in former 12-year Dodgers right-handed closer Kenley Jansen.

Meaning absolutely no disrespect whatsoever to the (now) 35-year-old Jansen who is currently eighth on MLB’s all-time saves list with 391 (350 as a Dodger), his best days are most likely behind him.

…or are they?

In his 12 seasons with the Dodgers, Jansen posted a 37-26 record with an outstanding 2.37 ERA. Along the way, he struck out 1,022 opposing batters (most on his devastating cutter), while walking a miniscule 204. He also led the National League in saves in 2017 and 2022; the latter as a member of the Atlanta Braves, who signed the popular Willemstad, Curacao native as a free agent following the 2021 season, his last as a Dodger, to the tune of $16 million.

Jansen finished the 2022 season with a 5-2 record and impressive 3.38 ERA, with an NL-best 41 saves in 48 save opportunities. And though his 2022 record and ERA may be down slightly from his 12-season Dodgers average numbers, they are still very respectable.

As Dodgers fans know, and as MLB.com’s Jon Morosi notes in his MLBTR piece, the current Giants’ brass are very familiar with Jansen. Current Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi and current Giants Manager Gabe Kapler were both with the Dodgers when Jansen wore his signature number 74 Dodgers jersey. As such, and because of the 139-year-long rivalry between two of baseball’s oldest and most storied franchises, the mere though of the once very popular Dodgers closer wearing a Giants uniform might be a tough pill for many Dodgers fans to swallow.

But all of that being said, it is impossible not to wish the very best and much success for Kenley Jansen.

…except when he’s pitching against his former team and teammates, that is.

Play Ball!

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