Despite a surprising beginning to the 2024 season, the Boston Red Sox remain a focal point of MLB trade discussions. Despite a disappointing performance in 2023, they have managed to win five out of seven games to kick off the new season.
In an April 2 article for Bleacher Report, Zachary D. Rymer delved into the potential future of right-handed pitcher Kenley Jansen with the team. Rymer placed the 36-year-old Jansen as the ninth-best trade asset in the MLB.
“Jansen has maintained consistency throughout his 14 seasons in the majors. While he has experienced highs and lows, he has never posted an ERA+ below average,” Rymer noted.
Despite a somewhat shaky start to the 2024 season, Jansen has still secured two saves in two appearances. For a Red Sox squad expected to win around 78 games, having a pitcher who can effectively close games might be more beneficial elsewhere.
This prompts speculation about where the Red Sox could potentially send Jansen in a trade deal. Preseason rumors surrounding the Red Sox and further analysis by Rymer may offer insights into potential destinations.
Trade speculation has been a constant theme throughout Kenley Jansen’s short tenure with the Boston Red Sox, despite it being only his second season with the team.
Since last season’s trade deadline up to this year’s Spring Training, Jansen’s name has frequently surfaced in trade talks. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on February 8 that the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers were keeping tabs on Jansen, with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi adding the Philadelphia Phillies to the mix.
In an April 2 column, Zachary D. Rymer also mentioned the Dodgers and Padres, along with the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers, as potential suitors for Jansen.
The prospect of trading a quality pitcher to a division rival like the Orioles raises questions for the Red Sox. While Baltimore has emerged as a formidable force in the AL East, the Red Sox may be hesitant to strengthen a competitor, particularly one they face multiple times a year.
Despite the ongoing speculation, the Red Sox have been reluctant to part ways with Jansen, with one key stipulation likely deterring potential suitors. MassLive columnist Sean McAdam revealed on his podcast, “The Fenway Rundown,” that the Red Sox are unwilling to absorb any portion of Jansen’s $16 million salary in a trade deal, preferring instead to receive promising prospects in return.
This reluctance to take on salary aligns with Rymer’s observations in his Bleacher Report column, where he suggested that Jansen’s age and hefty salary may give teams pause.
Currently, Jansen ranks as the fourth-highest paid relief pitcher in baseball according to Spotrac. Teams may hesitate to pay him such a high salary if they don’t perceive him as one of the top relievers in the league.
As trade rumors continue to swirl around Jansen, teams like the Orioles, in need of pitching help, may continue to weigh the reliever’s potential impact against his hefty salary.
In the midst of the speculation, the adage “Where there is smoke, there is fire” rings true. However, the ultimate decision lies with the Boston Red Sox, who must determine whether to navigate through the swirling rumors or retain Jansen amidst the uncertainty.
