Red Sox veteran sounds miserable waiting for team to trade him

Kenley Jansen appears to be unhappy as he patiently awaits a trade from the Red Sox

Kenley Jansen isn’t brimming with excitement at spring training in Fort Meyers, Florida, as he readies for his second season as the closer for the Boston Red Sox.

“I just need to maintain the mindset that I must prepare regardless, correct?” Jansen shared with the Boston Globe on Wednesday. “So, all the chatter surrounding me, all of that, it’s not the time for me to dwell on it.”

Jansen has been the focal point of trade speculations that he hopes would lead him to a team with playoff ambitions.

The 36-year-old contributed to the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series victory and possesses a career 2.20 ERA in the postseason over 65 1/3 innings.

There have been rumors circulating that the Dodgers might bring Jansen back, but those trade discussions are expected to extend into the season. Boston is predicted to land at the bottom of the AL East standings after significantly restructuring its roster, with Jansen now one of the remaining pieces from a previous win-now strategy.

“The outlook back then, the outlook now is completely different,” Jansen remarked on his choice to join the Red Sox before the previous season. “But I can’t doubt myself, man. There’s a sense of disappointment because there were other opportunities, but I believe that playing in Boston and at Fenway is special, something I’ve always wanted to experience.”

Jansen participated in 51 games for the Red Sox in a lackluster season where they finished with a disappointing 78-84 record.

He appears to regret the two-year, $32 million deal he agreed to.

Veteran left-hander Chris Sale was unexpectedly traded to Atlanta, while other experienced players like Justin Turner and James Paxton left in free agency.

This year’s spring training lineup is filled with young, untested talent that the management hopes will drive Boston towards competitiveness while keeping costs down.

“Recognizing that certain teams have larger budgets — I’m not implying they have more talent, as you need talent to compete at this level — but with other teams boasting seasoned players, these youngsters need to have faith in themselves right now,” Jansen commented.

According to The Boston Globe, there is a possibility that Jansen might be traded for a prospect or two to alleviate some of the $16 million owed to him this season.

Additionally, the team has acquired another strong late-game reliever, Liam Hendriks, which adds complexity to Jansen’s position on the current roster.