Monday's roundup: Dodgers reportedly retaining closer Jansen
The Dodgers reportedly are bringing back their closer, agreeing Monday to a five-year, $80 million contract to keep All-Star right-hander Kenley Jansen, according to multiple reports.
Jansen, 29, had a career-best 47 saves last season for the Dodgers, who won their fourth straight NL West title but lost a six-game NL Championship Series to the eventual World Series champion Cubs. He reportedly turned down offers from the Marlins and Nationals.
Jansen’s contract trails Aroldis Chapman’s five-year, $86 million deal with the Yankees last week, while San Francisco added free agent closer Mark Melancon on a four-year, $62 million contract. Jansen likely ensures the Dodgers’ payroll will again top $200 million.
Los Angeles also was working to re-sign third baseman Justin Turner.
Jansen had a 1.83 ERA with 104 strikeouts over 71 appearances and 682/3 innings.
He has spent all seven of his big league seasons with Los Angeles, going 19-13 with a 2.20 ERA and 189 saves in 409 appearances.
Personnel dept.
The Rays finalized a two-year, $12.5 million contract with free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos.
Ramos, 29, who’s recovering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, has an opportunity to earn an additional $5.75 million in incentives.
Ramos was a NL All-Star last season with the Nationals, batting .307 with 22 homers and 80 RBIs in 131 games.
He’s expected to return from his knee injury at some point next summer.
The Rays cleared room on the 40-man roster by designating catcher Justin O’Conner for assignment.
... The Cardinals signed pitcher Jordan Schafer and catchers Eric Fryer and Gabriel Lino to minor league contracts that include invitations to spring training.
The Cardinals also signed former Tigers left-hander Daniel Schlereth.
Schafer spent parts of six seasons playing in the outfield for the Braves, Astros and Twins before making the transition to pitcher. The left-hander went 1-1 with a 3.83 ERA in 40 appearances for the Dodgers organization last season, rising from their Arizona Summer League affiliate to Triple A.
... Left-hander Jeff Locke signed his $3,025,000, one-year deal with the Marlins. The team also announced contracts with catcher A.J. Ellis and right-hander Dustin McGowan.
... The prosecutor in the simple assault case against Mets closer Jeurys Familia told Newsday he will meet with Familia’s wife and attorney this week before deciding whether to drop the charge.
Familia is due back in Fort Lee Municipal Court on Thursday morning, and Fort Lee prosecutor Arthur Balsamo said he will meet with them immediately beforehand.
He wants to make sure nothing has happened since the order of protection was lifted Nov. 10.
Last month Familia’s wife, Bianca, asked Balsamo to not pursue the charge against her husband. She also told Balsamo she is not worried for her safety.
“I just want to make sure nothing has happened in the intervening two months, and certainly since they’ve been back together again,” Balsamo said. “Just so I can see that everything is calm and peaceful. And then I’ll make a decision.”
The attorneys for Familia and Familia’s wife did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment.
Familia, 27, was arrested after 2 a.m. on Oct. 31 and Fort Lee, N.J., police allege that he caused “bodily injury to another” person, citing a scratch on the person’s chest and a bruise on the right cheek. Balsamo previously identified the victim as Familia’s wife.
... Major League Baseball and its affiliates raised more than $235,000 to fund Shannon Forde Field in Little Falls, New Jersey, in memory of the late Mets public relations executive.
Tickets to next year’s All-Star week in Miami, including a meet-and-greet with Hall of Famer Joe Torre, went for a top price of more than $20,000. Two “intern for a day” experiences with the Mets sold for $15,425 and dinner with SNY announcers Ron Darling, Keith Hernandez and Gary Cohen for $13,575.
Forde died in March at 44 from breast cancer.