LOS ANGELES — Nearly a month after reaching agreement on a five-year, $80 million contract, the Dodgers made the signing of Kenley Jansen official Tuesday afternoon.
The delay in announcing the signing was most likely related to the need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster before adding Jansen — and the extended attempt to trade for a second baseman, namely Minnesota’s Brian Dozier. Those trade talks seem to have reached a stalemate.
In order to add Jansen to the roster, the Dodgers designated infielder Micah Johnson for assignment.
Johnson, 26, was acquired along with outfielder Trayce Thompson and right-hander Frankie Montas in a three-way trade among the Dodgers, White Sox and Reds last winter.