Red Sox sign veteran bringing Kenley Jansen closer to multi-year deal: reports

Closer Kenley Jansen agreed to a two-year contract with Boston Red Sox Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

Veteran pitcher joins Atlanta Braves last season after playing his first 12 seasons in MLB with the Dodgers. Jansen led the National League with 41 saves in 2022.

The longtime closer recorded 85 strikeouts over his 64 innings last season. He is likely to provide momentum to the Boston bullpen, which has been largely struggling in 2022.

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Kenley Jansen of the Atlanta Braves responds to a home run by Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning of Game 4 of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park in October.  February 15, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Kenley Jansen of the Atlanta Braves responds to a home run by Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning of Game 4 of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park in October. February 15, 2022 in Philadelphia.
(Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

During his career, Jansen had 1,107 strikeouts in 769 innings with a 2.46 ERA.

According to ESPN, Jansen’s Red Sox deal is worth $32 million. Before landing Jansen, Boston turned to his bullpen by signing right-hander Chris Martin to a two-year, $17.5 million deal. Martin struck out 34 batters during his tenure with the Dodgers last season and finished the year with a 1.46 ERA.

Last season, the Red Sox bullpen had a 4.59 ERA, which was the fifth worst in Major League Baseball.

Left-hander Matt Strahm left the Sox on Tuesday, signing as a free agent with the Sox. Phyllis.

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Right-hander Garrett Whitlock is expected to move from Boston’s bullpen to his starting rotation in 2023. In the last few months of the 2022 season, it has been used in high leverage situations.

Kenley Jansen of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in Game 2 of the National League Division Series at Truest Park in October.  December 12, 2022 in Atlanta.

Kenley Jansen of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in Game 2 of the National League Division Series at Truest Park in October. December 12, 2022 in Atlanta.
(Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Boston finished a disappointing 78–84 season and finished in last place in the American League East.

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According to ESPN, the Red Sox pursued several free agent pitchers during the off-season, including Zach Eflin, Tyler Anderson, and Andrew Heaney.

Kenley Jansen (74) of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with teammates in the final game against the Seattle Mariners after a 6-4 win at T-Mobile Park in September.  September 9, 2022 in Seattle.

Kenley Jansen (74) of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with teammates in the final game against the Seattle Mariners after a 6-4 win at T-Mobile Park in September. September 9, 2022 in Seattle.
(Step Chambers/Getty Images)

With Jansen’s contract, the Red Sox’s wages are expected to be around $175 million. The team will still need to add a shortstop to their roster.

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Tanner Hawk, current Red Sox closerunderwent back surgery in August, but the Red Sox are reportedly optimistic that he will be available for spring training.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.