Red Sox likely to trade another All-Star pitcher?
Aug 23, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Hats and gloves from the Boston Red Sox team near the edge of the dugout before the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Red Sox may not be done liquidating.
Red Sox insider Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com replied over the weekend to a fan’s post on X about the recent suggestions that the team could soon trade away veteran reliever Kenley Jansen.
“I think it’s less suggestion and more … they’re gonna move him,” Cotillo notably replied.
Cotillo then clarified in a subsequent post that he thinks a Jansen trade is “increasingly likely” but added that there is “nothing definitive” just yet.
The 36-year-old Jansen was stellar during his debut season for the Red Sox in 2023. As the team’s full-time closer, he recorded 29 saves in 33 chances on a 3.63 ERA with 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings. Jansen’s efforts were enough for him to earn the fourth All-Star selection of his career (though he struggled in non-save situations and was often unavailable to pitch in back-to-back games).
That said, Red Sox management clearly wants to save money this offseason and stay well below the luxury-tax threshold. Just a few days ago, they shed a solid chunk of payroll by trading away a seven-time All-Star pitcher. With Jansen owed $16 million next season, Boston could decide to trim further and go with a younger (but less experienced) ninth-inning option such as Josh Winckowski, Garrett Whitlock, or Tanner Houck instead.
