Dodgers Rumors: Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner Will Return to L.A.

In a surprising development, the Dodgers are close to re-signing Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. For most of the offseason, the assumption was the team would only keep one of its two expired stars. That no longer appears to be the case.

Jansen reportedly has an $80+ million deal on the table from Miami, so the full terms of his contract with the Dodgers will be fascinating. Buster Olney of ESPN reported this morning Turner and the Dodgers were nearing a deal.

Sources: #Dodgers close on both Turner AND Jansen.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2016

Source confirms: Jansen and #Dodgers in agreement on five-year, $80M contract. First reported: @JimBowden_ESPN.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2016

Turner and other Dodgers were at Jansen’s wedding this weekend; perhaps that made a significant difference in his decision. Olney previously reported people in the industry questioned L.A.’s willingness to pay Jansen. The contract is for $80 million, meaning Jansen took less than Miami’s offer, and the Dodgers were indeed willing to pay him a premium.

The Dodgers identified three targets for this winter: Rich Hill, Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen. Sounds like they'll land them all.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) December 12, 2016

Los Angeles signing Turner, Jansen and Rich Hill is quite the turnaround from what most assumed would happen this winter. The Dodgers prevent having any massive holes and can focus on adding a right-handed bat and more bullpen help. Keeping the band together could make the team push harder for immediate help, keeping in mind rumored trade candidates such as Brian Dozier or Ryan Braun. Even without a follow up move, retaining the trio would be a major win for the organization.