5 reasons closer Jansen is in high demand

This winter’s crop of free-agent closers may be the most talented in MLB history, with Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon headlining a dominant group.

All three closers are already highly coveted by multiple teams as the calendar looks ahead to the Winter Meetings, which begin Dec. 5. Each comes with an impressive resume and a signature skill. For Chapman, it’s his otherworldly fastball. Melancon has pinpoint command and excellent control. Jansen is a perfect combination of the two in the way he commands his high-velocity cutter to power-suffocating results.

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While the first closer to sign will likely set the market for the others, there really is no wrong answer to the question of who the top free agent closer is. Each is elite and each would lock down the late innings for whichever club signs him.

But for the team most interested in Jansen, here are five reasons why the big righty is being targeted.

1. Best in blue Jansen was a raw catching prospect-turned reliever when he assumed closing duties in Los Angeles as a 24-year-old in 2012. He turned into the best closer in club history, saving a franchise-record 189 games in 214 chances (88 percent) over parts of …

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