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Mattingly calls Jansen to gauge interest
- Updated: December 8, 2016
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Familiarity may become a factor in the Marlins being able to land the services of closer Kenley Jansen, one of the top free agents on the market.
Miami manager Don Mattingly previously managed the All-Star right-hander during his time with the Dodgers. On Wednesday, Mattingly confirmed he’s previously reached out to the durable closer to gauge if he’s interested in signing with the Marlins.
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“My call was to let him know that we’ve talked about him,” Mattingly said during his media session at the Winter Meetings. “There was legitimate interest, and we just wanted to make sure that he had interest. If there were zero interest, then we can go with another plan, or whatever that would be.”
Back-end bullpen depth has been the Marlins’ top offseason objective. Jansen and Aroldis Chapman are the top two closers on the market, and Miami continues discussions with both.
The two are expected to sign contracts that would top what Mark Melancon signed for on Monday with the Giants.
Melancon’s four-year, $62 million deal is the richest ever signed by a closer. The speculation is Chapman and Jansen could surpass four years and $80 million.
Internally, …
