Editorials

Dodgers Rumors: Jansen Was Reportedly Unhappy About Chapman Trade

Much has (rightfully) been made about the Dodgers passing on the move from the standpoint of Aroldis Chapman’s off-field issues and the public relations backlash that would probably land on the doorstep as a result of the move.

What’s gone somewhat overlooked, however, is how it would’ve affected the rest of the team — namely, Kenley Jansen.




ICYMI: Dodgers’, Yankees’ Involvement With Chapman Shows Double-Standard in Coverage


Steve Dilbeck of the L.A. Times complimented the Dodgers for not making the trade for reasons strictly on the field. Here’ what he had to say about how Jansen viewed Chapman’s potential arrival.

The Dodgers were in a different situation than the Yankees. If they’d gone through with the deal, they would have had both Jansen and Chapman pitching in their final season before becoming free agents. That’s an awkward situation, and one Jansen was reportedly – and understandably – not happy about.

There was a ton of speculation about how Jansen and Chapman would handle pitching side by side in the bullpen in walking years. If this is Dilbeck reporting on how Jansen felt, even fans willing to overlook morality would agree the Dodgers might be better off.

(It’s important to note that I hadn’t seen any such reports of Jansen’s malcontent. This of course doesn’t mean it was never an issue, only that I never saw it.)

Before the news of Chapman’s alleged domestic violence incident went public, Jansen and Chapman’s potential relationship was a popular criticism amongst those who didn’t like the trade. Recent evidence has spoken to the contrary on money relief pitchers are making, regardless of their role, but alas — narrative lives on.

Dilbeck also brings up Yasiel Puig and his own domestic issues (which was somewhat odd as there was little to no mention of Chapman’s). Both players are under investigation by MLB on their respective cases, which would obviously be a distraction as the Dodgers try to succeed in a much tougher division than last year.

The column is interesting to say the least, and if the Jansen report is true it’s certainly noteworthy. All things considered, Chapman appears to have been a poor fit on several levels.

NEXT: Jeff Kent’s Hall of Fame Chances, per Dodgers Fans

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

12 Comments

  1. Ha. Really? This article should’ve been out when the trade was first rumored.  I was amazed that the FO was considering Chapman. If we wanted to debate stats Chapman has a lower ERA with less innings pitched over the last four seasons.  Save numbers are almost equal. Only real difference is lefty vs. righty and speed of the fastball.  This was a head scratcher when it was first brought up as a possibility.  I’m glad we still have Jansen.

  2. I wish “Dodgers Nation” was more than just a PR tool for the team’s front office. Writers seem to spin every story to make the front office decisions — or non-decisions — look good.

  3. I read an early comment from friedman this morning, he said with all the moves they’ve made the dodgers should be able to contend again.what moves signing a 37 year old second baseman when they could’ve signed Kendrick to a 3 year contract and hes only 32 years old. so signing a 37 year old how is that getting younger? im 65 years old I hope im around when the dodgers win an other world series.

  4. dodgers50 Utley is a complete waste of a roster spot.  He has nothing left in his bat, and is a complete liability in the field at this point, but rest assured that he’ll open the season as the regular, since this team will convince itself that Kike Hernandez needs to be a utility guy.  I would probably pass on Kendrick for 3 years though.  But then I never would have traded a young starter (the best part of the absurd Dee Gordon giveaway) for a one year rental of him in the first damn place.

  5. JacksonEbner I don’t see how you can draw that conclusion.  He’s simply protecting himself as a player.  How do you think Adrian Gonzalez would like it if LA went out and acquired Freddie Freeman from Atlanta?

  6. Darviathar JacksonEbner Protecting himself as a player???  Did he think Chapman was going to shoot him with that gun?  Jansen is an established closer, and if he goes out and does his job next year, nothing about having Chapman on the team is going to decrease his value.  You would hope that adding another talent like Chapman would excite the players who are really devoted to winning a world series, but all Jansen cares about, if this article can be believed, is a threat to his position on the team.

  7. Are you guys kiddin me? It’s not about Kenley Jansen! He’ll always be “solid”! It’s about the pathetic middle relievers we have put up with the last several years! Clayton and Greinke always got us into the late innings, only to have our pathetic relievers BLOW THE GAME, before we could even get to Kenley! Makes me sick!

  8. your right Talvin and they still haven’t done anything about the middle relievers situation…signing Kazmir is a little up grade,plus he can opt out of his contract after this year.we need someone who can run a front office because friedman and his buddy sure don’t no how.at least colleti won us 3 division titles including last season all friedman done was get rid of one of the most important pieces to our in field which was dee Gordon hes only 26 this year. friedman trades him then gets rollins who is 38 how is that an up grade. at least colleti got us the pieces we needed to win 3 division titles.if colleti was still the GM at least he would of got us a top notch starter at the winter fee agency meetings.go dodgers blue

  9. Why would dodger fans care about how Kenney feels. He is leaving next year!
    Our bullpen is a disaster!

  10. the only reason the division is going to be tougher for the dodgers is because friedman hasn’t done jack shit to improve any position where we need help..we need a everyday second baseman ,Utley wont hit again, plus get rid of crawford, he hasn’t really done anything but be on the DL most of his time here,his contract is the most exspensive of any of the outfielders.trade him for a reliever some where.kenley wont leave he will get what he wants or close to it next off season.theyve all ready been talking to kenley about a contract exstention

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button