Red Sox All-Star Closer Reportedly May Be Available, Trade Would Make Sense

The Cardinals might have a shot at improving their bullpen

The St. Louis Cardinals went into the offseason looking to strengthen their pitching staff and are specifically aiming for high-leverage options after retooling the rotation last month.

One of the more notable moves this offseason was trading Tyler O'Neil to the Boston Red Sox, who are now rumored to be shopping a star reliever. 

"The Red Sox have been exploring trade talks on members of their bullpen to bring back additional controllable pitching, similar to the Alex Verdugo trade package." Beyond The Monster's Chris Henrique reported Tuesday. "Kenley Jansen’s name has come up in talks."

Jansen posted a 3.63 ERA with a 52-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .237 batting average against and a 1.28 WHIP in 44 2/3 innings pitched across 51 games last season. 

The Verdugo trade package mentioned by Henrique included a handful of young talent from the New York Yankees' farm system, which if true, would mean Boston's asking price for Jansen would only cost the Cardinals some mid-range prospects. 

The Cardinals have yet to make notable additions to their bullpen this offseason, but trading for Boston's lone All-Star last season would be a great start. 

The 36-year-old has one year remaining on his contract, meaning bringing him to St. Louis would be very low-risk, high reward.  

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