Don Mattingly confirms Marlins have reached out to Kenley Jansen

By Jack Crosby | Dec 7, 2016

Sep 7, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) is greeted by manager Don Mattingly (8) after the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Dodgers won 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Marlins manager Don Mattingly has confirmed he and the team have reached out to prized free agent Kenley Jansen

Kenley Jansen is one of the top names on the MLB Free Agent market, and for good reason. He is one of the best closers available this winter, and as such, has a lot of suitors on his tail. One of those teams that are hot on his trail is the Miami Marlins, and we know this for sure now.

Marlins manager Don Mattingly has confirmed that he has reached out to Jansen recently to talk about heading to Miami to take up the closing duties out of the bullpen. Furthermore, they’ve gauged the interest of catcher A.J. Ellis as well.

Mattingly #Marlins confirms he has reached out to free agents Kenley Jansen and AJ Ellis, two players he managed w/ #Dodgers
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) December 7, 2016

Of course, as stated there by FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Mattingly and and the Marlins have a pretty good advantage in the pursuit of both men. Mattingly was with both men when he was manager of the Dodgers, so that may hold some weight.

As a matter of fact, it’s being reported that it has worked in the case of Jansen, who has apparently told his former skipper that he’d be willing to make the move to Miami.

Kenley Jansen told #Marlins manager Don Mattingly that he definitely is open to leaving #Dodgers and joining him
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 7, 2016

Landing Jansen would be a huge move for the Marlins going forward as they look to build a contender in the NL East. There are still some more pieces to fill on this roster, but having Jensen coming out of the bullpen to save some games would go a long way in finishing up that goal.

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Jensen appeared in 71 games last season, finishing with 47 saves and an ERA of 1.83.

Ellis finished up his 2016 season with the Philadelphia Phillies after being traded by the Dodgers in August. He appeared in 11 games, batting .313 with one home run.

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