LEAD THE WAY
Jansen contract likely will determine Chapman market
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Marlins are pushing hard to add a top closer, notably Kenley Jansen, which could set off a series of moves that might make it more difficult for the Yankees to reunite with former closer Aroldis Chapman, who remains atop the Yankees’ wish list.
The Marlins have preferred Jansen over Chapman from the beginning of free agency, even though Jansen will cost the team signing him a compensation draft pick next year and Chapman doesn’t. In Miami’s case, that would be the 14th pick.
Chatter at the winter meetings Monday centered on Jansen and the Marlins talking about a fiveyear deal for $80 million. That came before Mark Melancon, another free-agent closer, agreed to a four-year contract for $62 million with the Giants.
Jansen to the Marlins could drag Chapman away from the Yankees to the Dodgers, who are trying to retain Jansen, but top club officials believe Chapman is the better long-term play.
Remember when the Yankees let David Robertson go to get the compensation pick and signed Andrew Miller, feeling he was better anyway? That is what the Dodgers could do here by letting Jansen go and signing Chapman.
Either way, this would put Chapman in a desirable position by having the two highest-payroll teams — among others — perhaps bidding for his services after Jansen has established a new baseline record contract for a relief pitcher.
“The attraction to him is that we know he can pitch in New York, and there is no draft pick attached,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday about Chapman, who worked 31 games for the Bombers this past season before being dealt to the Cubs on July 25 for a package of prospects headed by shortstop Gleyber Torres. “So it just comes down to money and terms. We will compete to a certain level and see if that is good enough. If not, that is why we are staying in contact with all others at the same time.”
Cashman has remained engaged with representatives for relievers Greg Holland, former Yankee Mike Dunn, Koji Uehara and Brad Ziegler.
Even though they profess confidence Dellin Betances can handle the closer’s role, they would prefer to have the three-time All-Star work before the ninth.
“We are trying to find more relievers to go with him,” Cashman said. “Whether it’s someone that goes above him or someone behind him.”
On Monday, Chapman was quoted as saying he would like six years. Recent speculation had him looking for $100 million across five years.
“I haven’t seen it, but he is in free agency, and he will try and get everything he possibly can,” Cashman said. “That is the way it works. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. We will see where the market takes the process.”
Melancon’s deal crushed the previous high for a reliever, the $50 million over four years for Jonathan Papelbon, and now Chapman and Jansen will outdo that, perhaps even getting five years each.
Miami has been hungry to upgrade its rotation, especially after the death of Jose Fernandez. The Marlins already have signed Edinson Volquez, but they realize the free-agent starter market is unappealing, and they do not have the minor league assets to acquire a top starter via trade such as Chris Sale or Chris Archer.
Thus, the Marlins are thinking about trying to shorten the game by deepening a pen that already includes A.J. Ramos, Kyle Barraclough and, if not needed in the rotation, David Phelps.
Jansen has particular appeal to them because Marlins skipper Don Mattingly managed Jansen for the Dodgers. Jon Heyman of FanRag.com was the first to report Miami was pursuing Jansen. Miami, therefore, would have to be willing to give up its firstround pick as compensation for signing Jansen, whom the Dodgers gave a qualifying offer.
It also would mean approaching or exceeding $80 million for a team with budget concerns and just a fair chance to reach the playoffs, even with Jansen. Sources told The Post that Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, who is at the winter meetings, personally is talking to agents in this process.