Mandatory Photo Credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
FORT MEYES, FLA — When Kenley Jansen signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox in 2023 he envisioned winning another championship. But not everything in life goes as planned.
The 36-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors with the hopes of landing on a team with postseason aspirations. But nothing has come to fruition, and Jansen is not happy camper.
“I just have to have the mindset that I need to get ready regardless, right?” Jansen told the Boston Globe of Wednesday. “So all the buzz that’s going on around me, all that stuff, it’s not time for me to focus on it.
“The vision then, the vision now is totally different. But I can’t question myself, man. There is frustration because you have other options, but I think playing in Boston and being in Fenway is special, and I always wanted to experience that.”
The 14-year veteran appeared in 51 games as a member of the Red Sox last season – pitching to a 3.63 ERA. But there seems to be buyer’s remorse – Jansen is owed $16 million this year.
“Understanding that some other teams have bigger payrolls — not saying more talent, for you to be in the big leagues you got to have some kind of talent — but with more established players on other rosters, these guys are young and have to believe in themselves now,” the right- hander told reporter said. “It is tough. We’ll see how the season starts.”
Jansen echoed similar frustrations on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast” at JetBlue Park Sunday.
“I definitely feel frustrated. I came here for two years where Year 1 we were going to compete but by Year 2 they were really going to go after it. I get it, there have been a lot of changes in this organization. They have a different vision now. I get it. It’s part of business. I want to put up a show. So I’m going to give my best all the time when I step on that mound. But it’s definitely frustrating watching how things go, but it’s not in our control. What is in our control is to go out here and be the best leader I can be. Be the best voice I can be in the clubhouse. Help the young guys. Help myself. And learn how to win ballgames.”
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Boston is still “fielding offers” for Jansen, mentioning the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers as possible trade destinations for the four-time All-Star. But that trade isn’t expected to happen until the season starts and potentially could happen around the trade deadline.
