Kenley Jansen's Early Departure from Red Sox Sparks Teammate Disappointment

Akash Deep -

Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen has made the decision to leave the team before the end of the 2024 season, a move that has not been well-received by his teammates. After being placed on the injured list, which effectively ended his season, Jansen chose to return home to California.

This decision has led to disappointment among several Red Sox players. Multiple teammates, speaking anonymously, expressed their dissatisfaction with Jansen's early departure. One player noted, 'I can't say I'm too surprised,' highlighting that Jansen was sometimes aloof and unsure of some teammates' names during his time with the team.

Jansen's Tenure with the Red Sox

Kenley Jansen joined the Boston Red Sox in the 2023 offseason on a two-year, $32 million deal, aiming to bolster the team's bullpen. Despite trade rumors, Jansen remained with the Red Sox and had a notable performance, appearing in 105 games with a 3.44 ERA and 56 total saves.

Jansen's career with the Red Sox is likely coming to an end as he will become a free agent this winter. Several high-profile teams have already been mentioned as potential landing spots for the veteran closer. The Red Sox, meanwhile, may opt to allocate resources elsewhere, particularly with Liam Hendriks on the roster.

Manager's Response and Future Implications

Red Sox manager Alex Cora has addressed the situation, though he has not delved into the specifics of Jansen's departure. Cora has instead focused on the potential roles of other players, such as Justin Slaten, who he believes has the potential to be 'a one-inning monster or multi-inning monster.' The future roles of other players, including Garrett Whitlock, are also under consideration but will be discussed at a later time.

As Jansen's time with the Red Sox appears to be drawing to a close, the team and its fans are reflecting on his contributions. While his departure has been met with disappointment, it is acknowledged that Jansen had a significant impact during his tenure in Boston.