Red Sox Star Already Planning to Play for Another Team

Even though the Boston Red Sox have advanced far in the postseason after 90 games played, one team member seems to already be planning his next move.

Pitchforth for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2010 to 2021, Kenley Jansen disclosed on Thursday on Foul Territory his desire to “retire in Dodger Blue.” Speaking so candidly about playing for a different squad is really eye-opening for a player.

Red Sox Nation as well as Jansen’s own clubhouse should take note of his remarks.

This season marks Jansen’s contract expiration. The closer, 36, was reportedly made “available in trade talks” by Boston last winter, according to MLB.com, which also repeatedly suggested him as a trade option. It’s possible that Jansen took offense at it and is responding to his feelings of being belittled by making these remarks.

Jansen highlighted his ambition to “chase championships” when he made his case for why he would want to go back to the City of Angels. That he doesn’t think that can happen on a Red Sox team that presently owns a postseason spot and has the best record in baseball since May 19 is telling.
To be fair, although he was a member of the Dodgers, Jansen did assist Boston in their 2018 World Series run, despite missing two save opportunities.

Jansen played with the Dodgers for sixteen seasons. At the age of seventeen, he was originally signed as a catcher out of Curacao. In the Dodgers minor league system, Jansen switched from behind the plate to the mound in 2009. He now stands fifth all-time in MLB history in save totals, proving that the decision was the right one.

Jansen spent one season with the Atlanta Braves following his last season with the Dodgers in 2021, and in December of 2022, he inked a two-year contract with Boston.

Jansen has a 2.96 ERA and 47 saves in his two seasons with the Sox.