Chicago Cubs: Is Kenley Jansen in the cards this winter?

With the MLB lockout still in effect and all the hype surrounding Carlos Correa and the potential interest between him and the Chicago Cubs, it’s important not to lose sight of the other holes that need addressing. While the front office has placed a focus on the starting rotation to this point, the bullpen is another area that needs attention before spring. With some good young arms to build around, Kenley Jansen is a target this team should be going after.

Jansen has been a staple for the Dodgers bullpen for the last 12 years. He’s posted a career record of 37-26 with a 2.37 ERA along 350 saves. He won a World Series in 2020, is a three-time All-Star and two-time Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award winner.

For as much success as Jansen’s as one of the MLB’s premier closers, he’s had his downs. It’s also worth noting the percentage of saves he’s accounted for since 2017:

• 2017: 41/51=80%
• 2018: 38/48=79%
• 2019: 33/44=75%
• 2021: 38/56=68%

It’s interesting to see the numbers go down each year as we’ve watched the Dodgers add depth to the bullpen including names like Blake Treinen, Corey Knebel and Joe Kelley. They’ve begun to rely less on Jansen and he’s currently available on the free agent market.

The Cubs are a team that are in the market for a lock-down arm and that became more apparent with the Craig Kimbrel trade to the South Side. Again there’s some great young arms including Codi Heuer, Rowan Wick and Manuel Rodriguez, but they’ve combined for 15 career saves. If the Cubs are serious about spending money and getting back into contention, a closer needs to be on their wish list.

In terms of market value, Spotrac estimates Jansen to be worth around a two-year deal at $10 million/year. This is comparable to a Brad Hand. If the Cubs can give Joc Pedersen a similar amount in 2020, there should be no issue with the price tag for Jansen.

Chicago Cubs can absolutely afford a Kenley Jansen signing this winter

Jansen not only gives the Cubs what they need production-wise, but he has that championship DNA that is essential. In postseason play, Jansen’s thrown 63 1/3 innings with a 2.13 ERA and 92 strikeouts. This is exactly the type of experience the Cubs need to bring in if they want to compete for another championship.

We know Correa is next up on the wish list for Cubs fans, but this is a player that is flying under the radar and could be a huge difference maker. Correa and Jansen along with another starter would have to put the Cubs back into the conversation for the NL Central in 2022. The financial flexibility is there so the question again becomes how serious ownership is about putting a team on the field for the city of Chicago the be excited about.

Success comes from the little details so let’s hope this front office and new general manager Carter Hawkins are able to find value in places that one may not think to look. Let’s hope this lockout ends soon so the Cubs can get back to work.