Former Red Sox $32 Million All-Star Linked To Two AL Rivals After ‘Ugly’ Boston Exit: What’s Next for Kenley Jansen?
Kenley Jansen, a four-time All-Star closer and one of Major League Baseball’s most accomplished pitchers, is once again making headlines as a free agent. After two years in Boston, where he signed a lucrative $32 million deal, Jansen is looking for his next opportunity, and several American League (AL) teams have already shown interest. This article will explore his career, his time in Boston, why his exit from the Red Sox was considered “ugly,” and the potential suitors in the AL that could bring him aboard for the upcoming season.
**Kenley Jansen’s Stellar Career: A Proven Closer**
Kenley Jansen is widely regarded as one of the best closers in baseball history. The 35-year-old right-hander made his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2010, and his career quickly flourished from there. He would go on to record over 450 career saves, ranking among the all-time leaders in that category. Jansen is known for his devastating cutter, which has been a significant weapon throughout his career, and his ability to thrive under pressure. His dominance has earned him four All-Star appearances and a reputation as one of the most reliable closers in the game.
Before his two seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Jansen spent the majority of his career with the Dodgers. His time in LA was marked by postseason success, with Jansen playing a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship run. His combination of leadership, poise, and elite-level pitching was a hallmark of his career. By the time he left the Dodgers and signed with the Red Sox, Jansen had already solidified his legacy as one of the most accomplished closers in MLB history.
**A New Chapter in Boston: The Two-Year, $32 Million Deal**
In 2023, after a standout career in Los Angeles, Jansen signed a two-year, $32 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. It seemed like a good fit at the time—Jansen’s experience and track record would add much-needed stability to the Red Sox bullpen, a unit that had struggled with consistency in recent seasons.
Jansen’s first season in Boston (2023) was a mixed bag. While his ERA stood at 3.38, Jansen still showed flashes of the dominant pitcher he had been in LA. He finished the year with 33 saves, but the Red Sox, unfortunately, were not competitive in the AL East. Boston finished with a disappointing 78-84 record, far from playoff contention, and the team’s bullpen issues persisted throughout the year.
By 2024, the situation in Boston had worsened. Although Jansen was still effective in terms of his save total, the overall performance of the Red Sox was “ugly” as many reports described it. The team failed to meet expectations yet again, with the bullpen continuing to be a glaring weakness despite Jansen’s presence. The “ugly” nature of Jansen’s Boston tenure was less about his individual performance and more about the team’s overall struggles. A franchise that had previously enjoyed sustained success was now fighting to stay relevant in a competitive division.
As a result, with the Red Sox failing to make a postseason appearance, Jansen’s tenure in Boston became a subject of frustration for both him and the fans. While he was still one of the most reliable pieces in their bullpen, the constant losing environment left both the pitcher and the fans wanting more.
**Jansen’s “Ugly” Exit from Boston: A Sour End to a Short Tenure**
The exit from Boston is not one that Jansen likely wanted, and it’s easy to see why some observers view his time with the Red Sox as “ugly.” Jansen came to Boston to help turn around a struggling bullpen, but ultimately, his efforts couldn’t overcome the team’s broader issues. The Red Sox front office struggled to build a consistent roster, and their inability to contend year after year left Jansen as a high-priced, albeit talented, piece of a larger rebuilding project.
It’s also worth noting that Jansen’s performance in 2024 saw some of his best numbers in years, despite the team’s failures. His ERA dropped to 3.44, and he finished the season with 23 saves. He was effective and still one of the best at what he did, but the team’s lack of competitiveness cast a shadow over his achievements. For a player like Jansen, whose entire career has been built on being in high-leverage situations, playing for a team that failed to capitalize on its opportunities was a frustrating reality.
As the 2025 offseason unfolded, it became clear that the Red Sox were unlikely to bring Jansen back, especially with the team needing to make several significant changes to its roster. For Jansen, the time had come to seek a new home.
**AL Rivals Eye Jansen: New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles Emerge as Strong Contenders**
As Jansen’s free-agent market began to heat up, two American League rivals, the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles, quickly emerged as potential suitors for the veteran closer. Both teams represent a stark contrast to Jansen’s time in Boston, with both organizations being seen as serious contenders with more stable and competitive rosters.
**New York Yankees: A Championship Caliber Team in Need of a Closer**
The Yankees have long been a bitter rival of the Red Sox, and the idea of Jansen wearing pinstripes may be hard for Boston fans to swallow. However, from a baseball perspective, this move makes perfect sense. The Yankees have struggled in recent seasons to maintain a consistent bullpen, especially with their closing options.
New York’s bullpen has been a source of concern for the past few years, and adding a closer of Jansen’s caliber could solve that problem. Jansen would give the Yankees the stability they need at the back end of games. The Yankees’ championship aspirations make a strong case for this move, as a proven closer like Jansen would bring both experience and leadership to the team’s bullpen. Additionally, Jansen’s familiarity with high-pressure situations would be invaluable in the postseason, which is a place where the Yankees have struggled in recent years.
Jansen could fit into the Yankees’ bullpen seamlessly, working alongside emerging talents and providing a stabilizing force in the closing role. The potential of pairing Jansen with ace Gerrit Cole and other key bullpen arms could give the Yankees a significantly stronger chance at contending in the postseason.
**Baltimore Orioles: A Rising Contender Seeking a Key Piece**
On the other side of the AL East, the Baltimore Orioles have quickly emerged as one of the most exciting teams in the division. The Orioles made significant strides in 2023 and 2024, and their young talent is ready to compete at a high level. Despite their promising future, the Orioles’ bullpen remains an area that could use some improvement.
Adding a closer like Jansen could be the perfect move for a team that is building towards contention. Baltimore’s rising core of young players, including standout stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, has given them the potential to be a serious postseason threat in the coming seasons. A veteran like Jansen would not only stabilize the bullpen but also provide leadership for a young team with eyes set on future success. His presence could help guide the Orioles as they continue to develop into a team capable of challenging for a playoff spot.
With the Orioles looking to improve and take the next step in their rebuild, signing Jansen could be the missing piece that elevates their bullpen and solidifies their chances of breaking through in the competitive AL East.
**Other Potential Suitors: Who Else Could Be Interested?**
While the Yankees and Orioles are the most prominent teams linked to Jansen, other organizations could also make a push for his services. The Philadelphia Phillies, for instance, have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for the veteran closer. The Phillies are coming off a strong 2024 season that saw them reach the postseason, but their bullpen could still use reinforcement.
Additionally, teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox, who have been in the hunt for pitching help, might consider Jansen as a proven option to bolster their relief corps.
**Jansen’s Legacy: A Closer Who Has Proven Time and Again He Can Perform Under Pressure**
Regardless of where Jansen ends up in 2025, his legacy as one of the game’s most reliable closers is secure. Jansen’s combination of experience, dominance, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations makes him one of the most respected players in MLB.
His time in Boston may have been marred by a lack of team success, but his individual accomplishments are hard to ignore. Jansen is a four-time All-Star and a two-time MLB saves leader, and he remains one of the most experienced closers in the game. His leadership in the clubhouse and ability to perform in postseason situations are qualities that any team would welcome.
Future for Kenley Jansen
As we move closer to Spring Training, Kenley Jansen’s future remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear—Jansen’s ability to close games has not diminished, and several AL teams see him as an important piece to their bullpen puzzle. Whether he ends up with the Yankees, Orioles, or another team, Jansen’s experience and skill set make him one of the most sought-after free agents in the market. The next chapter of Jansen’s storied career is set to unfold, and wherever he lands, one thing is for certain: Jansen will continue to be a significant factor in the AL’s postseason race.
