The Boston Red Sox are gearing up for a busy offseason with a keen focus on strengthening their starting rotation, a critical area that needs improvement. Boston’s name has surfaced in connection with nearly every available pitcher, whether they are free agents or potential trade assets.
Kenley Jansen, a 36-year-old pitcher who joined Boston as a free agent last offseason, made an impressive impact, earning his fourth All-Star selection. Jansen contributed with a 3.63 ERA and 29 saves, effectively solidifying the Red Sox’s bullpen.
Although the specific acquisitions are yet to be determined, the Red Sox are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to bolster their pitching staff. Surprisingly, they are even contemplating trade scenarios involving their relief pitchers to secure valuable starting pitching assets. Among the names mentioned is star closer Kenley Jansen, as reported by Chris Henrique of Beyond the Monster and Ed Hand of SoxProspects.com.
According to Henrique, “The Red Sox have been exploring trade talks on members of their bullpen to bring back additional controllable pitching, similar to the Alex Verdugo trade package. Kenley Jansen’s name has come up in talks, as Ed Hand mentioned. Other members of the bullpen as well, per sources.”
The reason behind this widespread interest lies in the fact that the Red Sox are on the cusp of returning to playoff contention, but their starting rotation posed significant challenges last season. While the exact path forward remains uncertain, one thing is clear—the Red Sox are committed to making changes in their rotation.
While it may come as a surprise to see the Red Sox entertaining the idea of trading Jansen this offseason, it underscores their determination to explore all avenues for improving their pitching staff in their quest to return to postseason contention.