Throughout the offseason, rumors swirled about Kenley Jansen's fate with the Boston Red Sox organization. Many of the same rumors persist one-third of the way through the campaign.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale has reported that the Red Sox plan to trade Jansen before the July deadline. He wrote that the organization has no plans to pursue another deal with the pitcher after he reaches free agency at the end of the season.
Jansen admitted to feeling "frustrated" with the direction of the Red Sox during spring training. He anticipated a different atmosphere in an organization recently accustomed to success — the lack of significant changes over the offseason did not indicate that Boston intended to compete this year.
He heard his fair share of theories about his future with the Red Sox organization over the winter, and Jansen has said he's now "immune" to the speculation. He plans to put the rumors behind him and remain focused on his top goal, which is winning baseball games.
“I’ve got to stay professional here,” Jansen said, reported by Christopher Smith of MassLive. “I’ve got a great group of young guys around here. And I want to continue to (do) whatever can help and help them with my wisdom. I’m going to be here and do that and be that leader for them."
Kenley Jansen puts trade rumors behind him as he continues to pitch for Red Sox
Kenley Jansen remains focused on the task at hand — saving games for the Red Sox — despite trade rumors https://t.co/OjaSj1cWdU
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) May 28, 2024
Jansen has pitched to a 3.06 ERA in 17.2 innings across 18 appearances this season. He's collected 23 strikeouts and 10 walks, which is a lower ratio than fans are used to seeing from the veteran.
Many reporters postulated that Jansen wasn't traded over the offseason due to his injury issues at the time and the high price tag attached to him for the 2024 season. The closer missed weeks of spring training due to lat pain, so few teams would jump in line to pay $16 million to a veteran with potential time on the injured list in his future.
Well into the season, Jansen hasn't had any injury concerns, so other teams may be more willing to bid for the righty. The Red Sox will likely seek to sell Chris Martin as well, another veteran, late-inning arm nearing the end of his contract.
Jansen was Boston's only All-Star in 2023 and Martin posted the best ERA of all qualified pitchers at 1.05, so the Red Sox's offerings may have a lot left in the tank for their next club.