Four-time All-Star closer Kenley Jansen enters the 2025 MLB season ranked fourth on the all-time saves list. With 447 career saves, he is just 32 away from surpassing Hall of Famer Lee Smith for third place.
Jansen, who spent his first 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, departed for the Atlanta Braves in 2022 before joining the Boston Red Sox for the past two seasons. An All-Star in 2023, he posted a solid 3.44 ERA with 114 strikeouts across 105 relief appearances during his time in Boston.
On February 11, ESPN reported that Jansen had agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels officially announced the signing on Saturday, along with the addition of infielder Yoán Moncada.
Jansen’s departure leaves a significant void in the Red Sox bullpen, particularly in the closer role. Boston could look to fill that vacancy with another veteran arm.
On January 30, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that two-time All-Star Lance Lynn was drawing interest from teams as a potential closer. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer later identified the Red Sox as the best fit for the free-agent right-hander.
“What makes the Red Sox an interesting fit for Lynn is that they’re one of the only contenders in MLB that lacks a clear answer at closer,” Rymer wrote. “Kenley Jansen was that guy in 2023 and 2024, but he’s in Anaheim now. The role is basically up for grabs, with Liam Hendriks, Aroldis Chapman, and Justin Slaten among those vying for it this spring.”
Lynn, primarily a starter throughout his career, has made 364 MLB appearances, with 340 coming in a starting role. However, at 37, a transition to the bullpen could help extend his career. Following an inconsistent 2023 split between the Dodgers and White Sox, Lynn rebounded with a stronger 2024 season for the St. Louis Cardinals, posting a 109 ERA+ in 23 starts.
With Jansen gone, a move for Lynn could be a logical step for the Red Sox as they look to solidify their bullpen.
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