The partnership between the Boston Red Sox and closer Kenley Jansen always seemed like a puzzling fit. Despite being 35 years old and clearly in the twilight of his career, Jansen inked a two-year, $32 million contract with the Red Sox in 2022. In hindsight, it’s difficult to understand what either side expected to achieve from the arrangement.
Boston, far from being a serious contender for a playoff spot, made half-hearted attempts at securing wild-card berths over the past two seasons, only for those hopes to be dashed by September. Jansen, a seasoned veteran, likely knew the Red Sox were not on the verge of contention. Yet, Boston’s front office moved forward, signing him in hopes he could provide stability at the back end of the bullpen and serve as a leader in the clubhouse.
But Jansen’s 2024 season ended on a sour note, with him leaving the team early after being placed on the injured list on September 24. That decision didn’t sit well with his teammates.
Kenley Jansen Was ‘Somewhat Aloof’ in Boston
According to Sean McAdam of MassLive, Jansen’s choice to return home to California rather than stay with the team for the final stretch of the season rubbed several Red Sox players the wrong way. While it’s normal for players on the injured list not to travel with the team, Jansen’s decision to miss the final home games at Fenway Park raised eyebrows.
“Multiple players, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity, registered their disappointment over Jansen’s early departure, though one added: ‘I can’t say I’m too surprised,’” McAdam wrote. Jansen’s distant demeanor in the clubhouse didn’t help matters, as he was reportedly aloof and struggled to remember teammates’ names during his two-year stint.
One player even recalled how Jansen walked into the training room before a doubleheader against the Twins and casually declared that he would pitch in the first game and call it a season. This nonchalant attitude left some players feeling disrespected, and as McAdam put it, “Jansen was known to be somewhat aloof during his time with the Sox.”
Red Sox in Need of a Bullpen Overhaul for 2025
Jansen’s two-year tenure with the Red Sox concluded with a 7-8 record, 56 saves, and a 3.44 ERA. Early in the season, there was speculation that Boston might move Jansen at the trade deadline, but a strong start kept him on the roster. With his contract now expired, Jansen is expected to move on, with many speculating he’ll return to the Dodgers, where he spent the bulk of his career.
For the Red Sox, the focus now shifts to retooling a bullpen that has lacked consistency. The team took a chance on former All-Star closer Liam Hendriks, who is recovering from an elbow injury, but at 35, Hendriks is no sure bet. Boston will likely need to add multiple arms to its bullpen while also shoring up its starting rotation to contend in 2025.
Jansen’s exit, both from the season and likely from the team, highlights the broader need for the Red Sox to reshape their pitching staff if they hope to reverse their recent fortunes.
