The Boston Red Sox have been hovering around a .500 record this season, but significant changes could be on the horizon in the coming months.
One of the team’s strengths has been its bullpen, particularly due to the performance of star closer Kenley Jansen. The four-time All-Star has posted a 2.91 ERA with a 30-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 21 2/3 innings this season, along with 10 saves.
Jansen, who joined the Red Sox before the 2023 season after the team struggled with the closer role for several years, has exceeded expectations. He was an All-Star last season and is performing even better this year.
Despite his success, Jansen has been involved in trade rumors, with a move appearing “inevitable” according to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe.
“Instead, he’s a luxury item. In retrospect, the $32 million invested in Jansen probably should have been used to improve other parts of the team,” Abraham noted. “The trade deadline is July 30, which roughly coincides with when Liam Hendriks should be ready to come off the injured list. It feels inevitable that Jansen will be sent to a contender and Hendriks will become the closer.”
Jansen has been the subject of trade speculation before, but with each passing day, a trade seems increasingly likely regardless of the team’s performance. While Boston may look to add pieces this summer, it appears Jansen will be on his way out.
