Kenley Jansen just strengthened his case to be part of a Dodgers trade for Tarik Skubal

The Los Angeles Dodgers are connected to every top MLB trade deadline asset. That's just how rumors work. Andrew Friedman, who is the head of baseball operations for the back-to-back World Series champions for a reason, is right to check in on just about every player available. That includes Tarik Skubal, obviously, and the Dodgers ought to add Kenley Jansen to that list.

In potentially the final start of Skubal's career, the Tigers bullpen faltered. Skubal left with only one earned run and a 7-1 lead. The Tigers lost, and added two more earned runs to Skubal's scoreline. A 10-9 defeat is not typical for a Skubal start, even on a Wednesday matinee. Yet, we all knew the Dodgers were interested in a two-time AL Cy Young winner. By now, you're probably tired of hearing it. The one pitched who didn't mess up on Wednesday (and that includes Skubal, who left some untimely runners on), is Kenley Jansen.

Kenley Jansen could be a valuable trade deadline addition for the Dodgers

Jansen pitched an inning of work against the Orioles. He walked one, struck out another and didn't give up a single run. It was his third-straight scoreless appearance. Jansen was always a bad fit for the Tigers. Detroit's bullpen thrived on flexibility, with relievers like Tyler Holton, Will Vest and Kyle Finnegan playing majors roles last postseason. Rather than buy into that philosophy, AJ Hinch and Scott Harris opted instead for defined roles. Jansen is a closer. He was chasing records. It backfired.

That being said, not every bullpen is as bad as the Tigers. Sometimes, a poor clubhouse or an organization's environment can impact a Hall-of-Fame caliber player. Jansen has a career 2.60 ERA and 488 saves, good for third all-time. With the Tigers, he has a 3.90 ERA. Something is off, no? The Dodgers can save Jansen as much as Kenley can help LA"s bullpen.

Why the Dodgers should trade for Tarik Skubal and Kenley Jansen

I don't have a horse in this race, but the Dodgers could use all the help they can get. If Friedman is going to trade for Skubal — thus including a young starting pitcher who is MLB-ready plus more prospect capital — they might as well get their money's worth. Jansen can help the Dodgers this season, and in the playoffs. LA's bullpen, especially in the back-end, is essentially Edwin Diaz and Tanner Scott. Both of those players are former All-Star closers. Imagine adding Jansen to the mix for the seventh inning. That's an embarrassment of riches, no? And it shouldn't cost the Dodgers much.

I've been of the idea for quite some time that the Tigers should combine their assets. Skubal becomes a lot more attractive when paired with a reliever like Kenley Jansen, or a second baseman like Gleyber Torres. Detroit doesn't want to all-out sell, but how much more proof do they need than what tanspired on Wednesday? They had seven-run lead and blew it. It wasn't the first time.

The Dodgers and Tigers need each other, in this case. Dodgers fans have two major concerns for this team moving forward, and both involve the pitching staff. So, why not take care of that in one full swoop?

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