The Boston Red Sox had made moves to address their rotation before the lockout. While Rich Hill, Michael Wacha, and James Paxton are hardly a given to produce, they add a level of depth that was sorely needed. Those additions will also allow the Red Sox to focus on other areas of need, such as the bullpen.
The ninth inning in particular is a question mark. Matt Barnes had signed a two year extension after a stellar first half but completely collapsed down the stretch. At this point, adding a closer may be the biggest priority to the bullpen.
Boston Red Sox need Kenley Jansen
Fortunately, there is an option available in free agency. Longtime Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen is arguably the top reliever left on the board and is easily the top closer available. He could solve multiple issues with the Red Sox’s bullpen at once.
Jansen had a solid showing in 2021. He posted a 2.22 ERA and a 1.043 WHiP over his 69 innings, notching 38 saves as he struck out 86 batters while issuing 36 walks. While he may not be the All Star closer he had once been, Jansen was still an effective option for the ninth inning.
There are some concerns. Jansen issued 4.7 walks per nine innings last season, his highest mark since his first season in the majors in 2010. He mitigated that issue by allowing just 4.7 hits per nine innings as well, fueled by a .216 batting average on balls in play against. As his career BAbip against is .266, it is fair to expect some regression next year.
Nonetheless, the Red Sox need to address the ninth inning. Barnes is not the answer in the closer role for a team with championship aspirations. Jansen may not be what he was, but he would be an upgrade that is sorely needed.
The Boston Red Sox are planning on addressing their bullpen once the lockout is over. Signing Kenley Jansen would solve a lot of problems.