Indeed, there has always seemed to be a little oddity in the relationship between the Red Sox and closer Kenley Jansen. Even though Jansen was 35 years old and obviously nearing the end of his career, he signed a two-year, $32 million contract with Boston in 2022. Looking back, it’s difficult to say what either party anticipated from the arrangement.

The Red Sox were aware that they weren’t prepared to contend for a postseason berth in earnest. The same thing had to be known by Jansen. Although Boston has attempted twice in the past two seasons to contend for wild-card berths in the American League during the summer, both times its prospects of making the playoffs were all but dashed by September.