Even with all the significant moves and acquisitions that the Boston Red Sox have made, the club sits in fourth place in the A.L. East. This year’s 30-34 start has been underwhelming and is a reflection of their average play from the last three years.
Since their 2021 ALCS appearance, the Red Sox have not made the playoffs. During this stretch, there have been plenty of high and low moments for both the team and fans.
One player, who had his share of highs and lows in his tenure, made his return to Fenway Park on the visiting side.
Kenley Jansen Returns to Boston
Kenley Jansen made his return to Boston, but as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. Jansen signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Angels back in February, leaving the Red Sox after spending two years with the club.
In his pre-game interview, Jansen had nothing but great things to say about his time in Boston.
Jansen’s answer comes as a surprise given his controversial exit from the team last year. With a few games left to go and the Red Sox on track to miss the playoffs, Jansen was placed on the injured list.
Alex Cora told reporters that after talking to Jansen, he went home after discussing that he wasn’t going to pitch in the remaining games. After Jansen’s locker was cleared out, even removing his nameplate, Sean McAdam of MassLive reported that multiple players were upset that Jansen didn’t finish the season with the team.
Cora would say that he was the one who told him to go home, but the damage was already done, as Red Sox fans expressed their distaste for Jansen. While fan opinion of Jansen is divided, Jansen gave them high praise.
"These fans are awesome; that’s one thing I can say. I had a blast. "Kenley Jansen
His last season didn’t end well, but you can’t be mad at him. Jansen came to the Red Sox because he thought they were committed to getting back into the playoffs, rather than focusing on the minor leagues.
He played his part in his two years, posting a 7-8 record, 114 strikeouts, 56 saves in 105 games, an all-star appearance in 2023, and became the seventh pitcher to reach 400 saves. At age 37, he displayed that he still has it, earning a save and his first win of the season in the series win versus the Red Sox.