The future of Boston Red Sox great closer Kenley Jansen will be a major question throughout the 2024 season.
Jansen was referenced in trade speculations in recent months, but he remains with the team as Opening Day
approaches. Despite a strong season in 2023, the four-time All-Star will earn $16 million in 2024, and many believe
the club will move him to reduce its payroll.
It wouldn’t be unexpected to see him open the 2024 season with the Red Sox, but a deal around the trade deadline is
certainly possible.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer compiled a list of eight potential blockbuster deals for the 2024 season, one of
which involved Jansen and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Kenley Jansen has worn uniforms for two different teams since he last pitched for the Dodgers in 2021, but can we
agree that neither has looked quite right on him,” Rymer said in a statement. “One would expect 12 years in Dodger
Blue to have such an impact, and to say those were good years would be an understatement. Jansen, 36, saved 350
games throughout the regular season as a Dodger, and another 19 in the playoffs.
“So, that’s part of the inspiration for this notion. However, it comes to mind because of the Dodgers’ current
commercial practices. They’ve brought in some well-known players from outside the organization, but they also
couldn’t let Clayton Kershaw, Jason Heyward, Ryan Brasier, Joe Kelly, Enrique Hernández, or Daniel Hudson walk
away. So, why not try to reunite with Jansen as well?
Jansen has been connected to the Dodgers on several occasions since the trade whispers resurfaced. A transfer could
be beneficial to both parties. Los Angeles is anticipated to be one of the best teams in baseball, and acquiring a
talented closer like Jansen could only help fortify the bullpen.
A transfer would also make sense for Boston since it could reduce salary, and the Dodgers have an excellent farm
system. There has already been chatter about a deal between the two parties, but there is no way to tell if it will
happen.
