The future of Boston Red Sox star closer Kenley Jansen will be a hot topic throughout the 2024 season.
Jansen was mentioned in trade rumors over the last few months but still is with the club with Opening Day quickly approaching. The four-time All-Star will earn $16 million in 2024 and many have speculated that the club could trade him to lower payroll despite an impressive season in 2023.
It wouldn't be surprising to see him at least start the 2024 campaign with the Red Sox, but a deal around the trade deadline certainly is a possibility.
Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer compiled a list of eight possible blockbuster trades for the 2024 campaign and had a trade involving Jansen and the Los Angeles Dodgers on his list.
"Kenley Jansen has worn uniforms for two different teams since he last pitched for the Dodgers in 2021, but can we agree that neither has looked quite right on him," Rymer said. "One supposes that 12 years in Dodger Blue will have that kind of effect, and to say that those were good years would be just a bit of an understatement. The 36-year-old Jansen saved 350 games just in the regular season as a Dodger, plus another 19 in the playoffs.
"So, that's partly where this idea is coming from. But it also comes to mind because of how the Dodgers have conducted business in recent months. They've brought in some kinda-sorta-very notable guys from outside the organization, sure, but they also couldn't let Clayton Kershaw, Jason Heyward, Ryan Brasier, Joe Kelly, Enrique Hernández, or Daniel Hudson get away. So, why not seek a reunion with Jansen as well?"
Jansen has been linked to the Dodgers on multiple occasions since the trade rumors picked back up. A move could make a lot of sense for both sides. Los Angeles is expected to be one of the top clubs in baseball and landing a star closer like Jansen only could help solidify the bullpen.
A move would make sense for Boston too because it could lower payroll and the Dodgers have a great farm system. There already has been speculation about a deal between the two sides but at this point, there's no way to know if one will happen.
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