Red Sox Star Already Planning to Play for Another Team

Despite the Boston Red Sox making a strong playoff push past the 90-game mark of the season, one Red Sox star apparently already has his sights on his future elsewhere.

Kenley Jansen, who pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2010-2021, revealed that Thursday on Foul Territory that he wishes to see himself "retiring in Dodger Blue". It is quite an eye-opening comment for a player to speak that openly about playing for another team.

Jansen's comments should raise some eyebrows across Red Sox Nation and in his own clubhouse.

Jansen's contract expires after this season. The 36-year-old was frequently posed as a trade candidate last offseason, and MLB.com reported that Boston had made the closer "available in trade talks". Perhaps that rubbed Jansen the wrong way, and he is reciprocating his feeling slighted with his recent comments.

In stating his case for why he would want to return to the City of Angels, Jansen emphasized his desire to "chase championships". It is telling that he doesn't feel like that can happen on a Red Sox team that has the best record in baseball since May 19 and currently holds a playoff spot.

In fairness, Jansen did help Boston chase a championship in 2018 as a member of the Dodgers, blowing two saves in the World Series.

Jansen spent 16 seasons in the Dodgers organization. He was originally signed as a catcher at 17 years old out of Curacao. In 2009, Jansen made the transition from behind the plate to the mound in the Dodgers minor league system. The move proved to be the right one, as he ranks fifth all-time in saves in MLB history.

After his final season with the Dodgers in 2021, Jansen played one season with the Atlanta Braves before signing a two-year deal with Boston in Dec. 2022.

In two seasons with the Sox, Jansen has recorded 47 saves with a 2.96 ERA.

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