"I wanna see myself retiring in Dodger blue" - Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen wants to return to LA to close out career
Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen knows his career is starting to wind down. The 36-year-old righty is in his 15th season in the big leagues. However, he still has what it takes to close out tight games.
Through 31 appearances this year, Jansen has compiled a 3-1 record with a 2.01 ERA with 18 saves to his credit. This is his second season in Boston, but he misses the team that gave him his shot.
Jansen spent the first 12 years of his big-league career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He went on a recent airing of Foul Territory TV to discuss how he would like to return to the organization to finish out his career.
"I wanna see myself retiring in Dodger blue, but is it a reality? No. I don't have control over that, and I don't know what they're thinking. At the end of the day, it's a business," - said Jansen.
Jansen wants to close out his career in LA but understands that is not entirely under his control. He is set to become a free agent following the end of the 2024 season and is preparing himself to go wherever he is needed.
"I want to chase championships. [Whoever] wants me on their roster when I'm a free agent and give me the best deal for me and my family, that's where I'll go, but Dodgers will have that edge" - said Jansen.
It will be interesting to see which teams are looking to add Jansen to their roster next offseason. With how he has performed this season, it could turn into a bidding war.
Would the Dodgers be interested in a reunion with Kenley Jansen?
While the Dodgers have star-powered players nearly at every position, their bullpen seems to be lacking. Evan Phillips holds down the team's current closer role and has been solid, but it is an area the team could improve.
With what Kenley Jansen stated earlier, he could certainly take a pay cut to return to LA and take over the closer role. You also cannot rule out any trades that could happen with the deadline just right around the corner.
There is no denying that Jansen wants to return to LA, but there is no telling whether LA is interested. Fans will want to keep their eyes on this over the next few weeks or into the offseason.