Dodgers, Padres 'Among Candidates' To Possibly Acquire Red Sox Star Hurler

Boston could have one more major trade up its sleeve

With each passing day, it's seeming more and more likely that the Boston Red Sox will end up trading away one of their best pitchers.

Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen was the club's lone All-Star in 2023 but has found his name in trade rumors over the last few weeks. It's not surprising to see why because he has a high salary and Boston is looking to cut salary. Plus, Jansen has solid trade value and multiple teams are looking for a hurler of his caliber.

It's unclear exactly where he will land if he is traded but both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are "among candidates" to land his services, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"And the Padres and Dodgers are among candidates for Jansen," Heyman said. "But San Diego may be more interested in a starter like Hyun-Jin Ryu."

Los Angeles seems like the most likely option to land Jansen at this point. He began his big league career with the Dodgers and spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the team. 

The Dodgers have been mentioned as a trade partner on multiple occasions over the last few weeks and they seem intent on acquiring everyone this offseason. San Diego is a new possible candidate but seems like an unlikely fit as Heyman mentioned.

Jansen was impressive with the Red Sox in 2023, but the club could find a cheaper option to fill the closer role. Plus, if the Red Sox were to trade him away and free up salary, they could even use that money elsewhere like for Jordan Montgomery.

More MLB: Ex-Red Sox Pitcher Officially Announces Retirement After Successful Career