The Boston Red Sox have hovered around the .500 mark this season, yet significant changes may be on the horizon in the coming months.
One of the team’s strengths has been its bullpen, particularly due to the standout performance of closer Kenley Jansen. The four-time All-Star has posted a 2.91 ERA and a 30-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 21 2/3 innings this season, along with 10 saves.
Jansen, who joined the Red Sox before the 2023 season to address their longstanding closer issues, has exceeded expectations. After earning All-Star honors last season, he appears to be having an even more impressive year.
Despite his success, trade rumors surrounding Jansen have intensified, and a move seems increasingly likely, according to Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe.
Abraham suggested that Jansen is now considered a “luxury item” and speculated that the $32 million spent on him might have been better allocated to other areas of the team. With the trade deadline on July 30 and the potential return of Liam Hendriks from the injured list around the same time, Jansen’s departure to a contender feels almost certain, with Hendriks expected to take over the closer role.
This isn’t the first time Jansen has been the subject of trade rumors, but as the deadline approaches, his exit appears more probable regardless of the team’s performance. Boston might be active in acquiring talent this summer, but Jansen’s departure seems inevitable.