Kenley Jansen One Of Four Dodgers To File For Salary Arbitration

Heading into the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers figured to have a handful of players who were eligible for salary arbitration. With trades that have been completed, the names may have changed, but the process remains the same.

When the Dodgers tendered contracts in December, they also signed Darwin Barney to a one-year deal, avoiding potential arbitration with the infielder. Although it came at a later date, a similar situation unfolded with A.J. Ellis, who was one of the players tendered, and on Tuesday signed a one-year contract to avoid arbitration.

While the Dodgers managed to avoid arbitration with Ellis, the same can’t be said for outfielder Chris Heisey, closer Kenley Jansen, pitcher Juan Nicasio, and infielder Justin Turner, who all filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday.

After five seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Heisey was acquired in exchange for Matt Magill back in December. The 30-year-old outfielder earned $1.76 million last season and has four years and 157 days of service time.

In his first full season as a closer, Jansen earned 44 saves and continued his rise up the Dodgers’ all-time saves leaders list, currently sitting in fifth place. He and the Dodgers avoided arbitration last February when they agreed on a one-year, $4.3 million contract. Jansen has four years and 73 days of service time.

Nicasio was traded to the Dodgers in late November at the time for a player to be named later; the trade was later completed when the Dodgers sent Colorado Minor League outfielder Noel Cuevas. Nicasio went 6-6 with a 5.38 ERA as a starter and reliever, and earned $2.025 million in 2014.

Of the four Dodgers who filed for arbitration, Turner may see the biggest rise in annual salary. After being non-tendered by the New York Mets, Turner signed a Minor-League contract with a non-roster invite to Spring Training.

Turner of course played his way onto the team and earned $1 million as a valuable pinch-hitter and reserve infielder. With the filing process complete, the players and Dodgers will exchange salary figures on Friday.