The Boston Red Sox already have two pitchers in their bullpen with several years of experience as closing pitchers.
Aroldis Chapman is Boston's number one option to close games, and Liam Hendriks made his first MLB appearance in 680 days on Sunday.
Kenley Jansen, a former Red Sox closer, signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels during the winter. The four-time All-Star recorded 56 saves from 2023 to 2024 with the Red Sox, and could be on the trade block at the deadline if the Angels fail to contend for a postseason spot.
David Schoenfield of ESPN recently listed the Red Sox as a potential trade fit for Jansen. He believes the AL postseason race in 2025 could be as tight as ever.
"What we do have, however, is an American League playoff picture that projects as perhaps the most crowded race ever, which would lead to a lot more teams looking to add come July -- if they can find a trade partner," Schoenfield wrote on Tuesday.
That "crowded race" is likely to include the Red Sox. Adding bullpen arms is a viable option for any team, and an acquisition of Jansen could move Chapman to a set-up role.
Jansen is performing well with his new club, throwing seven scoreless innings with five saves in seven games. The 37-year-old ranks fourth all-time on the MLB saves list with 452, 26 behind Lee Smith for third place.
The veteran would be a half-season rental for the Red Sox, so the price tag of a potential trade they make with the Angels might not be high.
A trade involving Jansen could benefit both clubs. The Angels could bolster their farm system or receive a controllable major league-level player, and the Red Sox could improve their bullpen depth just in time for the postseason.
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