The Boston Red Sox have reportedly made right-handed closer Kenley Jansen available, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
The Red Sox are open to trade talks for Kenley, who earned an All-Star nod in 2023. Nightengale reported that Boston is also willing to listen to offers for outfield Masataka Yoshida.
"The Boston Red Sox are telling teams that All-Star closer Kenley Jansen, who's scheduled to earn $16 million, is available," Nightengale wrote. "They also are open to listening on offers for outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who has four years and $72 million remaining on his contract."
In 2024, Jansen will be in his second year of a two-year, $32 million deal, while Yoshida will be in the second year of a five-year $90 million contract.
The 36-year old Jansen joined Boston ahead of the 2023 season after a one-year stint with the Atlanta Braves. He spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last season, Jansen posted a 3-6 record, a 3.63 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 44.2 innings pitched.
Yoshida, who was in his first season in the MLB last season, had 155 hits and 15 home runs in 537 at bats, posting a team-high .289 average in 2023. With Yoshida's lofty contract, Boston could be looking to drop some payroll with an eye toward the future, just as the Red Sox might be doing with Jansen.
The Red Sox are coming off a 78-84 season, missing the postseason for a second straight year. By potentially clearing up some room by dealing Jansen or Yoshida, it could give Boston the option to add another piece before the end of the offseason.
