Could Angels Waive Legendary Four-Time All-Star Closer? MLB Writer Speculates

Newsweek

14 hours ago

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The Los Angeles Angels tend to operate like there's no tomorrow, but that has its faults.
Less than two weeks ago, the Angels made the perplexing decision not to sell high on any of their veterans at the trade deadline. They were on the periphery of the playoff race at best, but now, their hopes are all but dashed.
With a six-game deficit in the American League wild card hunt entering play on Monday, the Angels may be only a few series away from repeating their dismaying playbook from 2023.
A detailed view of an Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hat and a catching glove is seen during the sixth inning of the MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Los...
A detailed view of an Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hat and a catching glove is seen during the sixth inning of the MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Los Angeles. MoreBack then, mere weeks after buying at the deadline, the Angels placed a slew of veterans on waivers, hoping contenders would pick up their expiring contracts. This year, they may do the same, but they have a far more decorated player on the roster this time around.
On Monday, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller postulated that closer Kenley Jansen, a four-time All-Star, could be waived in order to allow him to chase a playoff spot. In fact, Miller even named a possible fit: the division-rival Texas Rangers.
"There's no question Kenley Jansen would be the most coveted player they could release. He is well on his way to a 13th consecutive 162-game season with at least 25 saves," wrote Miller.
"And unlike the past three years, he's doing so with a sub-3.00 ERA, last allowing an earned run in mid-June. Could be quite the gift that falls into the Texas Rangers' closer-less lap."
Jansen, 37, has a 2.72 ERA in 46 outings this year, striking out 42 batters in 43 innings. He's a near-perfect 21 of 22 in save opportunities, and perhaps best of all, he hasn't made a trip to the injured list all year.
All the Angels would get from waiving Jansen is a couple million dollars of salary relief, but it would at least allow the man with the fourth-most saves in Major League Baseball history to make an impact on the playoff push.
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