The Boston Red Sox will soon face some difficult decisions regarding their roster. With the 2024 MLB regular season now over and the playoffs about to begin, free agency will start once the World Series concludes. One significant decision involves star closer Kenley Jansen, who is entering free agency.
Jansen was the subject of trade rumors throughout the past year, but the Red Sox opted to keep him as they pursued a playoff spot. Now, as Jansen hits free agency, it’s uncertain whether he will return to Boston. Recently, Jansen’s departure from the team following his placement on the Injured List has sparked some controversy. Speaking on WEEI’s “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast with Rob Bradford, Jansen explained the situation.
He mentioned, “Me and Alex Cora had a conversation, and we both agreed it was best to put me on the Injured List to allow my shoulder to recover from inflammation. When we were eliminated from playoff contention, they agreed I could head home. No big deal.”
Speculation surrounding Jansen’s future continues, and it appears unlikely that he will remain in Boston.
As October arrives, the Boston Red Sox once again find themselves without playoff baseball to look forward to. For the third consecutive year, the offseason at Fenway Park has started early, following another disappointing end to the season. Fans are eager for offseason changes, with the team promising that 2025 will be different.
One of Boston’s biggest needs is starting pitching, especially after the rotation faltered late in the season. While the Red Sox have some strong pieces, acquiring a true ace might require them to explore the trade market.
The Seattle Mariners stand out as a potential trade partner, as their roster needs are almost the exact opposite of Boston’s. Conor Ryan from Boston.com suggested Mariners All-Star Logan Gilbert as a possible trade target for the Red Sox.
“Boston has the assets both in the major league roster and the farm system to trade for a proven starter like… one of the Mariners’ top arms in Logan Gilbert,” Ryan said.
Gilbert, 27, had a breakout 2024 season, becoming the Mariners’ ace. He led MLB with 208 2/3 innings pitched, posting a 3.23 ERA, 220 strikeouts, and a league-best 0.89 WHIP. His stats could have been even better if not for a rough start against the Red Sox in late July, where he gave up seven earned runs, which bumped his ERA from 2.72 to 3.11.
Despite that setback, Seattle won’t be easily persuaded to part with Gilbert. He’s a bona fide number one starter, and any trade for him would likely require a significant prospect package, possibly including an established player like Wilyer Abreu.
Red Sox fans would likely welcome a move for an ace like Gilbert, but if a trade happens, the cost could be a major shock.
