With Spring Training just around the corner, a former Boston Red Sox All-Star remains surprisingly unsigned in free agency.
Ex-Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen entered the offseason as one of the top relief pitchers available, yet he’s still on the market as pitchers and catchers prepare to report. However, with camp opening soon, his situation may change quickly.
Chad Jennings of The Athletic recently compiled a list of the best remaining free agents and their potential landing spots, predicting Jansen could end up with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Arizona Diamondbacks: Kenley Jansen, RHP,” Jennings wrote. “A few days ago, we might have paired the D-Backs with a right-handed bat, but they just filled that need by re-signing Randal Grichuk. So, what’s left is to solidify the back end of their bullpen. Putting Jansen in the ninth would leave Justin Martinez to serve as a high-octane setup man. And playing for a good team would give Jansen a chance to get the 31 saves he needs to tie Lee Smith for the third-most saves in history.”
One of the most accomplished closers in MLB history, Jansen remains a valuable bullpen piece. Arizona has been aggressive this offseason, making a splash by signing Corbin Burnes. Given Jansen’s strong performance over the past two seasons on a two-year, $32 million deal with Boston, he could command a similar contract. Adding him to their roster would further strengthen the Diamondbacks as they compete in a tough National League West.
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