AL Central's Big Decisions: Jansen's Future

0:00On April 29th, we're shifting our MLB option series to the AL Central, where decisions are pretty light overall, but the Tigers stand out with A. Couple big ones, including their closer Kenley Jansen, who's eyeing a likely Hall of Fame nod. Most teams here have straight forward calls on relievers and outfielders, with mutual options around 8 to 13 million dollars, often structured. As one year deals with small buyouts? Earlier this week, Cleveland's dealing with drama around a manual place, their star closer on unpaid leave for a game-fixing probe, making his 10 million dollar club option unlikely. Sean Armstrong's mutual, at $8 million, faces a decline too, as he's turning 36 with middling stuff and just hit the injured list, with a growing strain. Trevor Stephens' option is a no-brainer buyout after his post-Tommy John struggles. Meanwhile, Detroit's weighing Jansen's $12 million team option after paying him $9 million this year. The four-time all-stars have been solid and most saves, striking out batters at a high clip despite a couple home run hiccups.

1:06Drew Anderson's $10 million club option looks shaky early, with 11 runs allowed in 15 innings since returning from Korea. Kansas City's Carlos Estevez, fresh off 42 saves last year, is scuffling with velocity down to 91 mph, a foot injury, sidelining him after a rough debut. Twins' first baseman, Josh Bell's streaky start mirrors his career, probably passing on his $10 million mutual, while Justin Topa's low strikeout. Profile spells decline. These calls will shape bullpins and benches as the season heats up, with teams like Detroit potentially locking in Jansen if he stays lights out. Stay tuned with MLB News Today, AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.