MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Teams That Should Consider A Trade For Kenley Jansen

The Los Angeles Angels have dropped below the .500 mark after losing seven of their last 10 games, and will almost certainly be out of the playoff race by the time July rolls around. They will likely be sellers at the trade deadline.

One of the top attractive trade pieces the Angels own is the active all-time saves leader Kenley Jansen. With five saves this season, he's up to 452 over his 16-year career, and while he isn't the dominant force he was in his LA Dodgers days for the bulk of his career, he's still been racking up the numbers in recent seasons.

After leaving the Dodgers in 2022, he led the NL in saves for the Atlanta Braves with 41 that year, then added another 56 for the Boston Red Sox the past two seasons.

With his fastball velocity having dropped down to career-low numbers, he might not strike fear into opponents like he used to, but he could still help many contenders as, at least, part of the mix to help in high-leverage situations.

As noted by David Schoenfield of ESPN, here are 3 teams to watch who should be interested in bringing in Jansen:

Texas Rangers

Currently, Luke Jackson, who had only 18 career saves over a decade in the majors coming into this season, is the Rangers closer. Will he remain in the job, or will Texas be looking for the ultimate veteran to help out down the stretch? The Rangers surprisingly let David Robertson go after a very strong 2024 season in a set-up role, and they might still be looking for help.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are rolling with Ryan Pressly for now in the closer's role. But his 5:6 strikeout to walk ratio in 11 innings, with a 1.63 WHIP signals trouble down the line. Youngster Porter Hodge, the next in line, is off to a shaky start to the season as well, with a 5.68 ERA, and has a total of 10 career saves. Perhaps the Cubs might want to solidify things with a reliable old veteran like Jansen.

Boston Red Sox

Maybe a reunion could be in the offing? The BoSox are currently going with Aroldis Chapman in the closer's role, but we know how that's gone for a few different teams over the past few years. Boston might be looking at a reinforcement sooner rather than later.