Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

AP source: Jansen agrees to $80M, 5-year deal with Dodgers

FILE - In this Oct. 22, 2016, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen throws during the sixth inning of Game 6 of the National League baseball championship series against the Chicago Cubs, in Chicago. A person with knowledge of the agreement says the Los Angeles Dodgers are re-signing reliable closer Kenley Jansen, reaching terms on an $80 million, five-year contract. (Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press)
By Janie Mccauley Associated Press

The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back their reliable closer, agreeing Monday to an $80 million, five-year contract to keep All-Star Kenley Jansen, a person with knowledge of the deal said.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the deal has not been announced. The 29-year-old right-hander had a career-best 47 saves last season for the Dodgers, who won their fourth straight NL West title but lost a six-game NL Championship Series to the eventual World Series champion Chicago Cubs.

Jansen’s contract trails Aroldis Chapman’s $86 million, five-year deal with the Yankees last week, while San Francisco added free agent closer Mark Melancon on a $62, four-year contract. Jansen likely ensures the Dodgers’ payroll will again top $200 million.

Los Angeles also was working to re-sign third baseman Justin Turner.

At last week’s baseball winter meetings, the Dodgers announced a $48 million, three-year contract with left-hander Rich Hill, acquired from Oakland at the trade deadline Aug. 1. Hill went 12-5 with a 2.12 ERA in 20 starts for the Dodgers and A’s, including 3-2 with a 1.83 ERA in six starts for Los Angeles.

Jansen had a 1.83 ERA with 104 strikeouts over 71 appearances and 68 2/3 innings. He has spent all seven of his big league seasons with Los Angeles, going 19-13 with a 2.20 ERA and 189 saves in 409 appearances.