Boston is allegedly thinking about moving one of its stars this summer in order to save money.
This offseason, Boston added one-time All-Star Lucas Giolito and outfielder Tyler O’Neill, two fascinating signings. Despite this, Boston lost seven-time All-Star Chris Sale in a trade, and it appears that more changes are imminent.
Though it appears they won’t be using it this summer, the Red Sox have plenty of money to spend. Boston is said to have operated on a $225 million tight budget the previous season, and it appears that they may be doing the same this summer.
Boston seems to be trying to reduce payroll even if they aren’t too far from being a postseason team. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, one player who is supposedly a “obvious trade candidate” is standout closer Kenley Jansen.
“The Red Sox still have holes but in their messaging to agents, appear to be looking to move some money before aggressively plugging them,” Cotillo stated. “In keeping with that, closer Kenley Jansen, who is owed $16 million in the last year of his two-year, $32 million contract in 2024, is an obvious trade target.
“Some people within the organization think it would be simple to make up for Jansen’s departure, considering he saved 29 games in 2023. If Jansen is dealt, Chris Martin or Tanner Houck might move to closer, with other late-inning possibilities (Josh Winckowski, John Schreiber, etc.) taking on more significant roles.”
Over the past week, Jansen has been linked to several trade speculations, and it’s beginning to look like a deal might be forthcoming. The most recent rumors that Boston is trying to reduce salaries make a move even more fortunate.
Although Boston’s plans for the offseason are unknown, it has already been an unexpected offseason.