Could Kenley Jansen Be the Missing Piece for the Phillies’ Bullpen?
The free-agent bullpen market has been slow to develop this offseason, but one name stands out as both proven and surprisingly overlooked: former Boston Red Sox All-Star Kenley Jansen. With a Hall of Fame-caliber resume and plenty left in the tank, Jansen could be the perfect solution for a team like the Philadelphia Phillies.
Jansen’s Resurgence in 2024
Jansen, now 37, is coming off a solid 2024 campaign with the Red Sox, where he posted a 3.29 ERA across 54 appearances. Though his 2024 numbers didn’t quite match his All-Star 2023 season, they were a testament to his consistency as a reliable closer in his 15th MLB season.
Known for his devastating cutter, which remains one of the most effective pitches in baseball, Jansen leaned on it for 84.9% of his arsenal in 2024. Despite a modest 92.2 mph average velocity, the cutter’s exceptional vertical and horizontal movement make it a weapon that continues to baffle hitters.
A Fit in Philadelphia?
FanSided’s Michael Fisher recently highlighted the Phillies as a potential landing spot for Jansen, citing his desire to join a contender.
“Phillies fans will remember him as a long-time Los Angeles Dodger and from the one season he spent with the Atlanta Braves in 2022,” Fisher noted. “Adding Jansen to a bullpen that already features Jordan Romano might not be a hard sell, as he reportedly wants to join a contender.”
The Phillies, fresh off a disappointing early exit from the postseason, have identified their bullpen as an area for improvement. While their offense and starting rotation performed admirably, late-game collapses proved costly. Jansen’s presence could provide much-needed stability to a unit that often faltered under pressure.
Why Jansen Still Has Value
While Jansen’s velocity has dipped over the years, his experience, poise in high-leverage situations, and ability to adapt make him a valuable asset for any bullpen. His cutter, which recorded 7.9 inches of vertical break and 3.1 inches of horizontal movement above league averages in 2024, is a testament to his longevity as a top-tier closer.
Additionally, Jansen’s postseason pedigree, honed over a decade with the Dodgers and a stint with the Braves, would be invaluable to a Phillies team hungry for a deeper playoff run.
The Path Forward
For a team like Philadelphia, which has the resources and aspirations to contend, signing Jansen could be a low-risk, high-reward move. His experience and leadership would complement a bullpen looking to rebound from its struggles.
While Kirby Yates, Tanner Scott, and others dominate the free-agent reliever conversation, Kenley Jansen remains a player who could quietly become a game-changing addition for the right team.
If the Phillies are serious about addressing their bullpen issues, they may not need to look further than the 37-year-old veteran who still has plenty left to offer. Could Jansen’s next chapter bring him to the City of Brotherly Love? Only time will tell, but the fit seems almost too good to ignore.
