Sources: Red Sox, closer Kenley Jansen reach 2-year deal

Closer Kenley Jansen and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $32 million contract, sources told ESPN, bolstering a Boston bullpen that ranked among the worst in baseball during the 2022 season.

Jansen, 35, spent this year with the Atlanta Braves after a dozen distinguished seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He led the National League with 41 saves, and his 391 career saves are second most among active players and eighth all-time.

In 64 innings with the Braves, Jansen struck out 85 batters, walked 22 and posted a 3.38 ERA. Over his career, Jansen has struck out 1,107 hitters in 769 innings with a 2.46 ERA and ranks among the most dominant closers in history.

Bob Nightengale on Twitter: “Now that Aaron Judge has signed, the free agent dominoes are falling: Closer Kenley Jansen, 2 years, $32 million: Boston Red Sox. Starter Jose Quintana, 2 years, $26 million: New York Mets.” / Twitter

Desperation moves?

Now that Aaron Judge has signed, the free agent dominoes are falling:
Closer Kenley Jansen, 2 years, $32 million: Boston Red Sox.
Starter Jose Quintana, 2 years, $26 million: New York Mets.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 7, 2022