Dodgers would sadly be vindicating unruly fans if Kenley Jansen isn’t re-signed

We can likely all agree Kenley Jansen has drawn the most ire from Los Angeles Dodgers fans out of anybody among this current core that’s propelled the franchise to one of the best streaks in the sport over the last decade. That’s life as a closer. It’s tough.

But every year we’re reminded how good and under-appreciated the right-hander is. He’s 13th on the all-time saves list and seemingly has a few elite years left as a ninth-inning man. When you put this success into perspective — he was a converted catcher — it’s a damn shame fans have the audacity to boo him ever.

That narrative continued in 2021, however, when Jansen endured a tough stretch in July and cost the Dodgers a few games against the division-rival Giants. Then he seemingly didn’t get the credit he deserved when he was nails the rest of the way and finished with a 2.22 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 86 strikeouts in 69 total innings.

We’re not advocating for the Dodgers to massively overpay him since he’ll be entering his age-34 season, but letting Jansen go will vindicate all the unruly fans who have failed to support him over the years despite his largely pristine numbers.

Kenley Jansen is an all-time closer, whether Dodgers fans believe it or not.

Just to make sure we have our bases covered, we surely aren’t calling out every Dodgers fan. It’s evident a lot of them support Jansen and have cherished his run of form as one of the best closers in the sport. But those who have booed him and called for his removal the moment things go south … they can’t feel satisfied if Jansen signs elsewhere when the lockout ends.

You really want to part with these career numbers?

• 350 saves (13th all-time)
• 1,022 strikeouts (12th all-time among closers)
• 2.37 ERA
• 0.93 WHIP
• 164 ERA+

Does he deserve another five-year, $80 million contract? Absolutely not. But he doesn’t deserve to be overlooked in an offseason where the Dodgers desperately need bullpen help, with or without him.

With just a couple more productive campaigns, Jansen stands to make a big jump on the all-time rankings and further cement himself in history. After a tremendous bounce-back season after a couple of “suspect” years which would’ve been wildly successful for the average reliever/closer, the Dodgers should do all they can to make it work (within reason) with Jansen.

Don’t give the trolls any fuel. Keep the back end of the bullpen intact if possible and force the haters to witness potential Hall-of-Fame greatness.

Projecting Dodgers 2022 bullpen if Kenley Jansen leaves in free agency

The Los Angeles Dodgers might lose Kenley Jansen to free agency. Here's what the bullpen would look like in 2022 without him (before any additions).