Yankees should explore Kenley Jansen with one clear limit

Writer Alexander Wilson argues that the New York Yankees should look into signing free-agent closer Kenley Jansen, but strictly on a short-term, price-limited deal. Jansen became an unrestricted free agent after the Detroit Tigers declined his $12 million contract option and issued a $2 million buyout. Wilson emphasizes that this is an evaluation of team fit rather than active interest from New York.

The 39-year-old reliever logged 22 saves with a 3.20 ERA across 50 appearances in 2026, putting him two shy of 500 career saves. However, Wilson cautions against overcommitting, pointing to warning signs such as six blown saves, a 4.46 FIP, and his impending 40th birthday in 2027.