Catcher Danny Jansen is poised to capitalize on his versatility after electing free agency. Following a July trade to the Boston Red Sox, which came during their ultimately unsuccessful postseason push, Jansen is primed for a fresh start. As a dependable two-way player, he brings an underrated bat and elite blocking skills behind the plate. While injuries have been a recurring challenge, Jansen is seeking a leadership role where he can leverage his experience and skills to drive success.
Danny Jansen Tests Free Agency
The Toronto Blue Jays drafted Jansen in the 2013 draft. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, slashing .260/.339/.516 with 15 home runs and 44 RBI in 215 plate appearances. From 2021-23, Jansen’s OPS was .772, .855, and .786, respectively. During this period, he demonstrated impressive power, hitting 43 home runs in 667 at-bats, which translates to a 32-homer pace over 500 at-bats. As part of the Blue Jays’ catching tandem, Jansen formed a formidable partnership with Alejandro Kirk, bringing power to the table while Kirk excelled defensively. However, injuries and Kirk’s superior arm strength limited Jansen’s playing time.
Jansen’s injury troubles began in 2021 when a recurring hamstring strain sidelined him for two months. The issues persisted in 2022, as an oblique strain kept him out for the first month of the season. A fractured left fifth metacarpal (little finger) on June 7 further limited his playing time. The injury bug continued to plague Jansen in 2023. A left groin strain landed him on the injured list from May 26 to June 13. Later that season, a fractured middle finger on his right hand, sustained on September 2, kept him out for the remainder of the regular season.
Jansen’s injury woes extended into 2024, as a right wrist fracture on March 28 kept him out of the Blue Jays’ lineup to start the season.
Potential Landing Spots
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs recently added veteran backstop Matt Thaiss for cash considerations after Thaiss was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels. Thaiss adds backup support for Miguel Amaya who emerged as the Cubs number one catcher last season.
The addition of Jansen would add more potential power to a club that ranked 21 in baseball last season with 170 home runs. That was down from 196 a season before. Having Isaac Paredes and Cody Bellinger in the lineup gives the Cubs two potential 30-home run bats. The ball club last had that combination with Kyle Schwarber (38) and Kris Bryant (31) in 2019.
Jansen would likely play a leadership role for Amaya while providing potential pop and consistency deep in the lineup.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals are looking to “get better catching-wise,” according to general manager Mike Rizzo. 26-year-old Keibert Ruiz, entering his sixth year of pro ball, ranks poorly in both batting and fielding value.
Ruiz has been up and down at the plate since coming over from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. After showing a hot bat in 23 games (.284/.348/.395) that season his production wained in 2022 with an OPS of .673. He bounced back in 2023 with a .717 OPS, 18 home runs and 67 RBI, but his production fell off sharply again last season.
While Jansen would add consistency at the plate, his defensive ability would be even more desirable to the Nationals as they rebuild.
Market Value and Projections
Jansen ranks 15th among catchers with a current market value of $4.4 million. This valuation is slightly below his $5.2 million salary from last season.
For comparison, top-ranked catcher Kyle Higashioka, 34, boasts a 2.9 WAR but carries a market value of $1.6 million. Meanwhile, Victor Caratini of the Houston Astros, is set to earn $6 million in 2025. Caratini produced a solid .269/.336/.408 slash line with eight home runs and 30 RBI in 87 games last season.
Jansen has the potential to surpass Caratini’s production. When healthy, he brings exceptional blocking defense and a reliable late-lineup bat, making him an attractive option for teams seeking a well-rounded catcher.
Main Photo: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
