Although closer Adbert Alzolay is a rising star for the Chicago Cubs, Kenley Jansen presents a special chance for the team to bolster its bullpen even more.
The 36-year-old reliever, who had previously played for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers, inked a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox during the summer. Jansen is accustomed to the bright lights of the postseason from his prior stops.
Jansen’s season last year was a little disappointing. His 2023 campaign ended with a 3.63 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. His 29 save total was his lowest in 10 seasons, excluding the 2020 COVID-19 season.
The Cubs have seen much too much of the right-hander’s outstanding cutter in their National League Championship Series losses to the Dodgers in 2016 and 2017.
As Jansen approaches the last year of his deal with the Red Sox, his $16 million in outstanding salary may come at the expense of the Cubs’ budget, but a cheaper trade cost might make it worthwhile.
It might also be beneficial to dashing with recently hired Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. The former Cubs executive replaced Chaim Bloom in Boston, where the team’s ownership has expressed a desire to decrease costs. Consequently, the Red Sox are bringing up Jansen’s name in trade discussions.
Having recently parted ways with the Cubs, Breslow ought to be well aware of Jed Hoyer’s abilities. These elements may facilitate a more seamless trade negotiating process in the early going.
Future Hall of Famer Jansen might not be the same potent closer he was in Los Angeles, but the Cubs pitching lab’s infrastructure might position him for success in 2024.
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