Red Sox Star Mentioned As One Of Top Possible Trade Candidates For 2024 Season

Could the Red Sox trade away one of their top pitchers this season?

Mar 28, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) and catcher / Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox have gotten off to a strong start so far this season.

Boston is 5-2 through its first seven games and has won four straight after completing a three-game sweep against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday.

One of the biggest reasons for the club's success so far has been the pitching. Both the starting rotation and bullpen have been stellar and it has led to wins.

While this is the case, it hasn't stopped speculation from swirling about possible trades later on in the season. The 2024 campaign is brand new, but, the summer will be here before we know it, and eventually trade rumors will be all over the place.

Boston certainly is familiar with trade chatter as the club was mentioned in a plethora of rumors throughout the offseason. One player who found his name constantly in trade rumors was star closer Kenley Jansen.

At one point, it seemed like Jansen could be traded away but the team ultimately held onto him but that hasn't stopped speculation. If the Red Sox aren't in contention around the trade deadline it wouldn't be surprising to see him moved.

Because of this, Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer listed Jansen as the ninth-best possible trade candidate this season in his list of hypothetical options.

"Though he never stooped to Googling himself, Kenley Jansen wasn't deaf to all the trade speculation swirling around his name throughout the winter," Rymer said. "The longer Jansen continues to age gracefully in 2024, the less likely it may be that the Red Sox would have to eat some of his salary to move him in a trade. Potential Fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, (and the) Texas Rangers."

The four-time All-Star has appeared in three games so far this season and hasn't allowed a run yet while recording two saves. If the Red Sox play at the level they have to begin the season and are in playoff contention around the deadline, it wouldn't be surprising to see them keep Jansen and add to the roster instead.

If the team starts to struggle, don't be surprised if Jansen is wearing a different jersey at some point this season.

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