While the Chicago Cubs have an ascending star in closer Adbert Alzolay, the team has a unique opportunity to fortify its bullpen even further with an experienced option in Kenley Jansen.
The 36-year-old reliever signed a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox last offseason after spending time with the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers. By way of his previous stops, Jansen is no stranger to the bright lights of the postseason.
Last season was a bit of a down year by Jansen's standards. He finished the 2023 season with a 3.63 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Barring the COVID-shortened season of 2020, his save total of 29 was his lowest mark in 10 seasons.
The right-hander is known for his elite cutter, a pitch the Cubs have faced too many times from their National League Championship Series battles with the Dodgers in 2016 and 2017.
Entering the final year of his contract with the Red Sox, Jansen's remaining $16 million could cost the Cubs in team payroll, but a lower price in terms of trade cost could make it worth it.
Daling with new Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow could also help matters. The former Cubs executive took over for Chaim Bloom in Boston, where ownership has indicated a desire to reduce team payroll. As a result, the Red Sox are floating Jansen's name in trade talks.
Having left the Cubs organization not too long ago, Breslow should be well aware of what Jed Hoyer has to offer. These factors could make the early stages of trade negotiations a smoother process.
Jansen, a future Hall of Famer, may not be the same dominant closer he was in Los Angeles, but the infrastructure of the Cubs pitching lab could set him up for an effective 2024 season.
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