3 Red Sox Who Could Still Be Traded Before Spring Training
By Ryan Bunton
1. Kenley Jansen
Like Yoshida, Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen wasn't exactly a trade candidate entering this offseason. There could be an argument made that Jansen was the team's best player in 2023, as the reliever was Boston's lone representative at last year's All-Star Game. For 2023, Jansen collected a 3-6 record with a 3.36 ERA and 29 saves.
There are more parallels between Jansen and Yoshida. Both are due significant cash in 2024, rumors of both being available on the trade market emerged in early January, and rumors of both being traded have appeared to fizzle out in recent weeks. On Jan. 7, MLB.com reported that the Red Sox had made Jansen "available in trade talks", while also highlighting the likelihood that Boston might be interested in offloading his $16 million salary given their proven adamancy to shed payroll.
Jansen has already cemented himself as one of the best closers of all time, becoming only the seventh pitcher to reach the 400-save plateau last May. Given the expectations for the 2024 edition of the Boston Red Sox, Jansen's role would be much more valued on a competitive team, such as the Texas Rangers.
Jansen will enter the 2024 season at 36 in the last year of his deal. Based on last season's performance, he definitely still has something in the tank and can perform at an All-Star level. A contending team should be interested in adding him to the back end of their bullpen.
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