Kenley Jansen Finds New Home with the Los Angeles Angels
As Spring Training gets underway this week, the Boston Red Sox have seen one of their remaining free agents land a new deal. On Tuesday, MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that veteran reliever Kenley Jansen has agreed to join the Los Angeles Angels. Jansen, a 37-year-old right-hander, has had a storied career in Major League Baseball, spending the first 12 seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2010-2021), where he earned three All-Star nods and won a World Series. After a single season with the Atlanta Braves in 2022, Jansen signed a two-year, $32 million contract with the Red Sox. His departure marks a significant change for the Red Sox bullpen and raises questions about who will step up to close games in the coming season.
Jansen’s Impact with the Red Sox
During his two-year tenure with the Red Sox, Kenley Jansen solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable closers in the league. He appeared in 105 games, posting an impressive 3.44 ERA, 1.158 WHIP, and a striking 10.3 K/9. Notably, he recorded 56 saves and was named an All-Star in 2023, further cementing his status as a key player for Boston. However, Jansen’s usage in the 2022 season was somewhat unusual. He wasn’t always getting the closing opportunities he was accustomed to, which led to a career-low of 27 saves. Despite this, he maintained a solid 3.29 ERA, 1.061 WHIP, and 10.2 K/9 over 54 2/3 innings, showcasing his continued effectiveness on the mound.
Return to Los Angeles
Jansen’s move back to Los Angeles, albeit with a different team, is a significant development in his career. Los Angeles, a city he knows well from his time with the Dodgers, will likely provide a familiar and supportive environment for the veteran reliever. The Angels, who have been working to revamp their roster, see Jansen as a valuable addition to their bullpen. His experience and leadership could be instrumental in helping younger players develop and solidify the team’s relief efforts.
Boston’s Closer Conundrum
With Jansen’s departure, the Red Sox are now faced with the challenge of finding a reliable closer for the 2025 season. They have several capable options, but none have the same level of experience and reliability that Jansen brought to the table. The Red Sox pitching coach, Craig Breslow, has provided some insight into the team’s plans, emphasizing the importance of developing internal talent and possibly exploring trade options. The team’s approach will be crucial in ensuring they maintain a strong bullpen and a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Spring Training and Beyond
The start of Spring Training is a time of hope and anticipation for all teams, and the Red Sox are no exception. The full 2025 Spring Training schedule has been released, and players are beginning to report to camp. This period will be particularly important for the Red Sox as they work to integrate new players and solidify their roster. Fans are eager to see how the team will adapt and who will step up to fill the void left by Jansen. The Red Sox’s ability to navigate these challenges will be a key factor in their success in the coming season.
Fan Perspectives and Ongoing Criticism
The Red Sox’s offseason moves have not been without controversy, and fans have voiced their concerns. Critics argue that the team could have done more to secure a reliable closer, and Jansen’s departure has only heightened these sentiments. Craig Breslow, a respected figure in the organization, understands the fans’ criticism and acknowledges that the team must work to address these issues. The Red Sox’s front office will need to be strategic and proactive in their approach to ensure that the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The coming months will be crucial as the Red Sox work to rebuild and strengthen their roster in time for the new season.
