MLB Trade Rumors: Top 3 Landing Spots for Kenley Jansen

Trade rumors surrounded veteran closer Kenley Jansen throughout the offseason and into spring training, but here we are almost a month into the campaign and the 36-year-old is still a member of the Boston Red Sox. The team is trying to hang tough in the rough-and-tumble AL East this season, currently sitting at 13-10 and tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for third place in the division. 

If the Red Sox feel they can stay in the playoff hunt, it's unlikely they will be trading their closer anytime soon. However, if things start to slip a bit expect the BoSox to look at shipping Jansen out for a return of some assets. 

With that in mind, we look at 3 top landing spots for the much-decorated reliever, who's added five saves to his career total that now stands at 425, best among any active pitcher, and 5th on the all-time list. 

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are always looking to add depth to the back end of their bullpen, and continue to ride without a set closer. This might be the best type of situation for the aging Jansen, who, as witnessed in part by his 1.56 WHIP, shouldn't be counted on to carry an entire bullpen's load anymore. 

Jose Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, Orion Kerkering, and Gregory Soto are just some of the arms that Jansen could add his name to, in helping to solidify the Phillies bullpen.

Atlanta Braves

It was only two years ago that Jansen posted a league-leading 41 saves for the Braves, so the team is obviously well aware of what he can still do, even at an advanced age. Raisel Iglesias is once again handling closing duties for the Braves this season, and is doing so fairly well thus far. But he too is getting on in baseball years, at 34, and having Jansen around to help relieve the pressure would be a good fit for Atlanta.

Texas Rangers

The defending World Series champions' bullpen has not been its strength, to say the least, this season. Relievers in Texas have compiled a 4.86 ERA, 22nd in baseball, and just four saves. 37-year-old Kirby Yates has recently taken over closing duties for the Rangers, but it also would not be wise to rely on him to complete the season unscathed, as he missed pretty much three consecutive seasons from 2020 through 2022 due to injury. Jansen would be a nice backup plan.

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