SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 22: A general view of the ball as the sun sets as the San Diego Padres face against the Miami Marlins on August 22, 2023 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres might make significant moves at this month’s trade deadline. After losing All-Star closer Josh Hader this offseason, the Padres are considering acquiring another potential Hall of Fame closer, Kenley Jansen.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Padres are one of two teams interested in Jansen this month.
“Kenley Jansen, Red Sox: They’re contending so a trade is no certainty now. The Dodgers and Padres like him,” Jon Heyman reported.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, the Padres’ division rivals, are also reportedly interested in Jansen.
Jansen has had an impressive season so far, with 16 saves, a 2.22 ERA, 33 strikeouts, and a 1.02 WHIP across 28.1 innings pitched. The Red Sox are close to a playoff spot, sitting only 1.5 games back in the Wild Card race and five games above .500 as of Monday.
Given the Red Sox’s competitive position, it’s uncertain if they would trade away their dependable closer. Jansen is highly accomplished, being a four-time All-Star, an All-MLB Second Team member in 2021, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year, and a two-time National League saves leader.
If Jansen were traded to the Padres, it would mark his fourth team in his career. He would also bolster the back end of their rotation alongside Robert Suarez.
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