Kenley Jansen Addresses Red Sox Trade Rumors

Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen has been the subject of trade rumors over the past month, as the veteran relief pitcher is scheduled to be a free agent after this season. 

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported last week that the Red Sox talked to several teams about Jansen. Before that, Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY wrote last month that Boston told multiple teams that an All-Star closer is available in trades.

However, the 36-year-old reliever is not worried about the trade rumors – and is going about his work as normal, per Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe. 

With Boston viewed as a long shot to win the AL East, it would be best for them to try to trade Jansen for any young prospects they can get back in return. Jansen is coming off a good 2023 season that saw him be named to the MLB All-Star Game.

The veteran reliever recorded a 3.63 ERA, 52 strikeouts, and 29 saves in 44.2 innings pitched. Jansen has been one of the better closers in baseball over the past three years, posting at least 25 or more saves each season. Before joining the Red Sox in 2023, Jansen spent a year with the Atlanta Braves, recording 41 saves (most in the National League) and an ERA of 3.38.

Since it’s evident that Jansen has something left in the tank, it wouldn’t be a surprise if those trade talks get louder as we get closer to Opening Day.

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