At Fort Meyers, Florida, for spring training in anticipation of his second season as the Boston Red Sox closer, Kenley Jansen isn’t exactly giddy with excitement.
“I just have to think that I have to prepare myself regardless,” Jansen said on Wednesday to the Boston Globe. “It’s not time for me to focus on all the buzz and stuff that’s going on around me,”
Trade rumors involving Jansen, who wishes to join a team that hopes to make it to the postseason, have been circulating.
The 36-year-old, who has a lifetime 2.20 playoff ERA in 65 1/3 innings, assisted the Dodgers in winning the 2020 World Series.
Although Kenley Jensen is ready for a move, it may not happen until the start of the season.
Although Kenley Jansen is ready for a trade, it may not happen until the start of the season.
Though there has been some chatter that the Dodgers might re-acquire Jansen, it is expected that trade talks will go on into the season.
With its roster decimated and Jansen among the final remnants of a once-win-now movement, Boston is expected to finish last in the AL East.
Regarding his choice to sign with the Red Sox before the 2018 campaign, Jansen remarked, “The vision then, the vision now is totally different.” “But, guy, I can’t ask myself questions. Although having other possibilities can bring irritation, I believe that playing in Boston and at Fenway Park is a unique experience that I have always wanted to have.
In a dismal 78-84 last-place season, Jansen made 51 appearances with the Red Sox.
Given the two-year, $32 million contract he signed, he appears to be experiencing some buyer’s regret.
While fellow veterans James Paxton and Justin Turner left in free agency, lefty veteran Chris Sale was shockingly moved to Atlanta.
The executive staff is hoping that by adding young, untested talent to the roster during spring training this year, Boston will be able to compete on a lower salary.
On February 22, 2024, during spring training, Kenley Jansen throws.
On February 22, 2024, during spring training, Kenley Jansen throws.
“These guys are young and have to believe in themselves now. I understand that some other teams have bigger payrolls—not that more talent is necessary to be in the big leagues—but with more established players on other rosters, these guys have to believe in themselves,” Jansen stated.
According to The Boston Globe, Jansen might be dealt for one or more prospects in order to help clear some of the $16 million he owes for the season.
Jansen’s position on the current squad is further complicated by the addition of Liam Hendriks, another late leverage arm, by the team.
Jansen works out in Fort Meyers’ Spring Training in anticipation of the regular season.
Jansen trains throughout the spring in Fort Meyers, Florida, in preparation for the regular season.
However, that move isn’t anticipated to occur until the beginning of the season, though it might around the trade deadline.
It’s difficult, he said. “We shall observe how the season unfolds.”
