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What Does Kenley Jansen News Mean for Red Sox Closer Situation?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By TJ French | Last updated Feb 12, 2025 2:05 PM ET

Former Red Sox closer over the past two seasons, Kenley Jansen has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Angels, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Jansen, 37, spent the past two seasons in Boston, racking up 57 saves and earning a 2023 All-Star nod. He remained a steady force in 2024, posting a 3.29 ERA over 54.2 innings.

While it was unclear throughout the offseason whether the Red Sox would bring him back, his departure now leaves a major question mark at the back end of the bullpen.

Boston may have already found Jansen’s replacement, having acquired Aroldis Chapman earlier this offseason. However, the team has multiple closer options, including Liam Hendriks and Garrett Whitlock.

Hendriks, a three-time All-Star (2021, 2022), was one of baseball’s best closers before being diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December 2022. He returned to action in 2023 but recorded just one save.

Chapman, meanwhile, put together a solid 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, tallying 14 saves and 98 strikeouts over 61.2 innings.

It remains to be seen how the Red Sox will fill the closer role, but they’ve been aggressive this offseason, adding Chapman along with starting pitchers Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet.

One name to watch? David Robertson. The veteran reliever is still available on the market and could provide Boston with another late-inning option.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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