The stove is taking a while to heat up, but the rumors are beginning to trickle in.
The latest comes via Jon Morosi of MLB Network, who reported Friday that the Giants have shown interest in former Braves and longtime Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. Both Farhan Zaidi and Gabe Kapler worked with Jansen during their time in Los Angeles.
San Francisco is reportedly discussing a two-year deal with the 35-year-old, according to David Vassegh of 570 AM in LA.
Jansen’s days as a Cy Young candidate are behind him, but he’s still a dominant force as he enters his 14th season. Jansen led the National League with 41 saves last year and 54 games finished. He also posted a 3.38 ERA and even more impressive 1.04 WHIP while striking out 12 per nine innings.
Though the Giants have a dominant closer in Camilo Doval, Jansen could provide a stabilizing, veteran presence to help solidify the later innings.
Additionally, another former Dodger has hit free agency, with LA choosing to non-tender Cody Bellinger, three seasons after he was named NL MVP. Bellinger has nosedived since then, posting OPSs of .524 and .654 in the last two seasons respectively. That lack of production led the Dodgers to not want to bring him back for the $18 million he was projected to get in arbitration.
Still, the Giants could buy low on Bellinger who is still just 27, and is an excellent defender in center field.