Hallelujah!!! The Red Sox have finally made a move, alert the masses!!
Closer Kenley Jansen and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $32 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2022
That’s right folks. Not only did Boston make a splash, but the added a legitimate piece to the bullpen. Kenley Jansen is a three time All-Star that brings some star power to Beantown’s pitching.
Boston had one of the worst bullpens in baseball last season. Improving upon on that unit was a necessity this Winter. Jansen is exactly what the doctor ordered. This move completely solidifies the back end of the Sox’s bullpen. Boston now has a real closer for the first time since Craig Kimbrel.
The 35 year old closer has a career 2.46 ERA with 391 saves and 1,107 strikeouts. After spending the first 12 seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jansen joined the Atlanta Braves in 2022.
What’s the most impressive thing you’ve ever seen?
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) August 16, 2020
Kenley Jansen getting Mike Trout to look at three straight strikes for the final out with the tying run in scoring position in extra innings. pic.twitter.com/s2FiidbK6c
Prime Kenley Jansen is one of the best closer I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/qZSVt7mR2w
— Dodgers fam (@Dodgerfam25) December 24, 2020
Kenley Jansen is on a MISSION this October 😤
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) October 20, 2021
12 strikeouts in 5 innings and struck out the side tonight 💯 pic.twitter.com/drLT9V73LU
It is worth noting that Jansen did have the second worst ERA of his career in 2022 (3.38). However, Jansen did lead the National League in saves last season with 41, which marked the fourth time in his career he’s had 41 or more saves in a season.
Adding the 2020 World Series Champion to the Red Sox is a step in the right direction for GM Chaim Bloom. Chaim has been hesitant to make moves and spend money, and has mostly sat on his hands this offseason. Jansen is the first big move he’s made, and it hopefully won’t be the last.
Adding a legitimate closer is a big step towards getting back into contention.
Featured Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
