MLB Trade Rumors: Former Red Sox Reliever ‘Will Attract Plenty Of Interest’

Kenley Jansen heard more than his fair share of trade rumors while pitching last season for the Red Sox.

But the right-handed closer ended up spending the entire 2024 campaign in Boston.

One year later, the Jansen trade rumors are resurfacing.

“The Angels are hanging in the AL West race, but if things change, starting pitcher Tyler Anderson and closer Kenley Jansen will attract plenty of interest,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports.

The Angels (33-37) are in fourth place in the American League West, 7 1/2 games behind the first-place Houston Astros. The Angels are one of six teams within three games of the final AL wild card.

Jansen signed with the Red Sox in December 2022, getting a two-year, $32 million contract. As Boston fell out of playoff contention in 2024, Jansen heard a lot of trade chatter. But he finished the campaign where he started it, collecting 27 saves in 54 appearances last year.

In February 2025, Jansen signed a one-year, $10 million contract with Los Angeles. While he is tied for fifth in the American League this season with 14 saves, he’s carrying a career-worst 4.94 ERA.

The 37-year-old Jansen debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2010 and helped them win the World Series in 2020.

He left the Dodgers in 2022 and spent one season with the Atlanta Braves before signing with Boston.

Jansen, who was an All-Star for the Red Sox in 2023, is the active saves leader. His 461 career saves rank fourth all-time. Jansen needs 17 saves to tie former Red Sox closer Lee Smith for third place.