Trade Buzz Around Red Sox All-Star Heating Up Before Spring Training

The Boston Red Sox have been active in the trade market this offseason, acquiring outfielder Tyler O’Neill from the St. Louis Cardinals and trading All-Star starting pitcher Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves for young infielder Vaughn Grissom.

The Red Sox are looking to be better than they were last season (78-84) and hope that those moves pan out in 2024. However, the Red Sox aren’t resting on their laurels, as they could still make another trade before spring training in Florida.

Red Sox Rumor: Boston Discussing Potential Kenley Jansen Trade

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported Tuesday that the Red Sox are talking to several teams about closer Kensley Jansen.

Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard Jansen’s name floated around in trade rumors this offseason. Last month, USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported the Red Sox told teams that the multiple All-Star closer is available in trades.

The 36-year-old is coming off a solid 2023 campaign with Boston, where he had a 3.63 ERA, 52 strikeouts, and 29 saves in 44.2 innings pitched. Jansen is set to make $16 million this season in the final year of a two-year deal he signed with the Red Sox.

With the Red Sox looking to get younger in certain areas potentially, Jansen could net them a solid prospect from a contender looking to upgrade the backend of the bullpen. 

The Philadelphia Phillies is one team that could use Jansen as they don’t have a closer, with Craig Kimbrel signing a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles this season. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what other trades the Red Sox make as they try to get back to the top of the AL East.

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