Based on the Boston Red Sox's slim playoff odds, the latest update on Kenley Jansen could mean the end of his season — and Sox career.
Jansen will be shut down for the remainder of the slate due to a shoulder issue, Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported after Boston's second Sept. 22 game. The closer has been moved to the injured list and Chase Shugart has been recalled to fill his roster spot for the remaining six games of the campaign.
Jansen is an impending free agent and the Red Sox likely don't have plans to bring him back next season. Despite the quality of his final season in Boston, it was riddled with trade rumors and conversations about Jansen's worth to the team.
The veteran finished the 2024 slate with a 3.29 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 20 walks over 54.2 innings of work. He posted a 3.44 ERA with 114 strikeouts and 37 in 99.1 innings over his two seasons with the Sox. Jansen earned a 2023 All-Star Game appearance and his 400th career save in a Red Sox uniform.
Kenley Jansen's Red Sox career may be over after move to 15-day IL
The #RedSox today placed RHP Kenley Jansen on the 15-Day Injured List with right shoulder inflammation.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 23, 2024
To fill his spot on the active roster, Boston recalled RHP Chase Shugart from Triple-A Worcester.
The soon-to-be 37-year-old was a reliable closer for Boston, but his high price tag makes a reunion between the two unlikely. The Red Sox also have Liam Hendriks on the payroll for next year who will fill the closer spot nicely in Jansen's stead.
Jansen mentioned wanting to pitch for as long as physically possible, so there may be a good few seasons in him before he retires. Cotillo named the Yankees as a likely contender for his services next year, as they were an aggressive suitor before the Red Sox signed him in 2023. He hopes to retire a Dodger, the team with which he spent 12 years to begin his illustrious career as one of the best closers of all time.
Jansen got a fitting sendoff from the home crowd at Fenway Park. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning to cap off the first of Boston's two wins over the Twins on Sept. 22. He also touched 96 miles per hour on the radar gun on one of his fastest pitches of the year.