3 more cost-cutting trades Red Sox could make with Yankees as Boston cries poor

Kenley Jansen

Either Kenley Jansen isn't on the Red Sox when Opening Day rolls around, or Boston hit some snags and cut their offseason plan short. Because Jansen possesses by far the most significant expiring contract on Boston's payroll, and he's also the most obvious luxury. A team that finished last in 2022 and 2023 doesn't need a 36-year-old closer making $16 million. The Yankees could certainly use the stopper's experience, as could plenty of other teams (sort of surprising he wasn't involved in a larger version of the Sale trade?). But Boston? They're better off maximizing the asset (as best they can), rolling with Houck/Whitlock/Martin in the back end of their bullpen, and using that saved cash (you'd better save at least $14 million) to lure Hernández AND Montgomery/Snell.

Then, spin around and trade from your outfield surplus to add another controllable starter -- maybe someone from Seattle? Boom, problems solved. On second thought, don't read this. Your plan's probably good, no need to take this advice.

Jansen might not be Peak Kenley anymore, but he did make the All-Star team last summer (while Clay Holmes got snubbed), sporting a 3.63 ERA with 52 Ks in 44.2 innings pitched at season's end. The pitch clock was certainly an adjustment for the righty's laborious motion, but he eventually got things under control. posting a 1.08 ERA in August before succumbing to injury. He dominated on the road (2.59 ERA) and struggled at Fenway (4.87). It was noble for Jansen to take on the burden of Boston's franchise history last winter, but it'd be best for all parties to part ways now -- especially after theylured him in under the premise that they'd continue to improve, but now refuse to do so unless his contract can be excised.