5 Red Sox on Thin Ice At Quarter Mark of 2024 Season
By Ryan Bunton
3. Kenley Jansen
After offseason trade speculation constantly swirled around Jansen, he ultimately stuck around and began the season on Boston's Opening Day roster. Frustration with Jansen from Red Sox fans didn't take long, as the closer was unavailable for a save opportunity only three games into the season with back tightness. With Jansen unavailable, Boston blew a 3-1 lead in the 10th inning to the Seattle Mariners, losing 4-3.
Jansen hasn't been bad by any stretch this season as he's allowed only two earned runs in 11 games, and is 5-for-6 on save opportunities. But Boston's front office has shown an appetite for shedding higher salaried players for younger, team-controlled talent. Jansen could be the next victim of this philosophy. The two-time Reliever of the Year is the second-highest paid player on the active Red Sox at $16 million.
Like Martin, Jansen's playoff pedigree plus his expiring contract will likely garner interest from teams vying for a postseason spot. The Texas Rangers and Jansen's old club, the Los Angeles Dodgers, were two teams connected to him in the offseason. Similarly to Martin, his availability will be almost entirely dependent on Boston's playoff chances as the season progresses.