Kenley Jansen joins Red Sox under $32 million, two-year deal

The Boston Red Sox announced Tuesday during a press conference at Fenway Park that pitcher Kenley Jansen had joined the team. The former Atlanta Braves pitcher agreed to a two-year, $32 million contract with Boston.

Jansen’s agent revealed that the Red Sox had offered the contract by reaching out to him through a phone call a week ago. When asked about the offer, Jansen said that he was in the middle of watching the “Rocky” movie.

“I was excited. I couldn’t even finish watching my movie, because I’m coming to Boston,” Jansen said.

“The thing that impressed me more, is how the people around here — they get baseball.”

Kenley Geronimo Jansen

During the press conference, Jansen said he looked forward to joining the Red Sox, one of the “historic organizations in baseball.” Before joining Boston, Jansen debuted his MLB career in 2010 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, for whom he played until 2021. He then joined the Atlanta Braves in 2022.

Red Sox

2022-12-13 20:45

The Jansens take Fenway. https://t.co/lkVGyxmUST

1177 20

The 35-year-old brought his wife and kids to the press conference, with a “Go Red Sox” chant welcoming them when they entered the venue.

Jansen has an average of 2.37 ERA over 701 games pitching from the mound. Last season with the Braves, he tallied 1,107 strikeouts with a 2.46 ERA and posted a 42-28 record.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said Jansen had been the “most important target” during the offseason. He revealed that Jansen’s MLB performance at the big game was the reason to sign him.

MLB

2022-12-13 18:57

The @RedSox got one of the best closers of his generation. https://t.co/disomnK87U

1480 139

“I don’t see how you could look at ways to improve your bullpen and not think about Kenley Jansen. … You talk about someone who has done this job for about as long as anybody has done it on the big stages,” Bloom said.

On the other hand, the Red Sox released shortstop Xander Bogaerts to the San Diego Padres after a 10-year tenure. The Red Sox wrapped up the 2022 season with a 78-84 record.