The Boston Red Sox have finally landed a top free agent.
After being outbid on Jose Abreu, Zach Eflin, and most recently Tommy Kahnle, the Sox appear to have finally found somebody that will make a difference for them in 2023.
This morning, the Red Sox landed veteran closer Kenley Jansen on a two-year, $32 million contract.
The three-time All-Star joins veteran right-hander Chris Martin as the most recent bullpen addition by Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom.
On Twitter, Red Sox insider Alex Barth discussed the move and expressed optimism that the team has finally found an elite closer.
*41 saves. Lot of numbers.
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) December 7, 2022
Red Sox Sign Kenley Jansen
Jansen spent the 2022 season with the Atlanta Braves.
The veteran right-hander appeared in 65 games and posted a 3.38 ERA over 64 innings of work, striking out 85 batters and posting a 1.05 WHIP.
Jansen also led the National League in saves with 41.
The 34-year-old should help settle things down at the back end of the Sox bullpen.
The Red Sox followed up their surprise run to the ALCS in 2021 with a disappointing 2022 season.
The team went 78-84 and finished at the bottom of the American League East division, 21 games behind the 99-win New York Yankees.
But with a few key bullpen additions, the Red Sox may have closed the gap just a bit.
They’ll still have the rest of the AL East to deal with, but they have at least proven their willingness to spend big and acquire top talent.
Boston will now turn its focus to either the starting rotation or trying to retain Xander Bogaerts.
NEXT: The Red Sox Make A Splash At Closer