Dodgers Rumors: Worst case scenarios with Kenley Jansen

Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals

Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) walks back to the dugout during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) walks back to the dugout during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Another team that poses a threat to the Dodgers is the Washington Nationals. Washington gave Los Angeles a run for their money in the NLDS, but were unable to close them out after taking a 2-1 series lead.

In order for the Dodgers to compete in the playoffs, they are going to need a consistent closer — losing Jansen to a likely NL playoff opponent wouldn’t help their case.

As it stands right now, the Nationals haven’t made it too clear if they’re going to go all in on Jansen. While they’ve shown interest, and could be doing that just to serve as a distraction, there’s indications that they won’t invest in him completely.

This is good news for the Dodgers, but also something to keep in mind because of the threat that the Marlins are at this time.

Jansen has plenty of things to think about, but a decision on where he’ll pitch next season is expected sooner rather than later.