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MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Kenley Jansen

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) pitches against the Washington Nationals in the eighth inning during game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) pitches against the Washington Nationals in the eighth inning during game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy (15) relieves starting pitcher Matt Moore (45) during the game against the Colorado Rockies in the eighth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy (15) relieves starting pitcher Matt Moore (45) during the game against the Colorado Rockies in the eighth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco Giants

The Giants briefly courted Greinke last offseason in an effort to pry away one their bitter rival’s aces. Ultimately, their effort fell short. Once again, the Giants have a chance to make their team better while simultaneously weakening the Dodgers. San Francisco has several needs to fill this offseason, but none bigger than closer.

A leaky bullpen nearly cost the Giants a berth in the playoffs. Overall, the Giants ranked 15th in bullpen ERA at 3.65. The bullpen was competent enough for most of the season, but the wheels totally fell off in the final month of the season when San Francisco relievers lost seven games. The Giants attempted to make it through the season without a truly dominant closer, and it nearly cost them.

Already, the Giants have been linked to another All-Star closer, Mark Melancon. Melancon is older than Jansen and Chapman, and will not command the same level of contract, both in years and overall dollar amount. The Giants should start their search for a closer with Melancon given the other needs to be filled, especially in the outfield. There’s also no draft-pick compensation tied to signing Melancon, and the Giants desperately need to revamp their farm system after a busy trade deadline. If things fall apart with Melancon, however, expect the Giants to turn their attention to Jansen.

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