Throughout the first 50 games of their 2024 campaign, the Boston Red Sox have put together a respectable 26-24 record due to the impressive performances from their pitchers.
Closer Kenley Jansen struggled early in the season but has seemingly calmed down for the most part in recent weeks, posting a 3.24 ERA in his 17 appearances.
While Jansen was dealing with injuries during training camp, there was a lot of speculation before the year regarding the closer's future, as he only has one year remaining on his contract.
There may still be questions as we get closer to the trade deadline, but Jansen only has one thing on his mind.
“Winning is my priority right now and it’s not gonna change,” Jansen said (via. MassLive). “It was always. For me, it’s focusing on that. The money will be there because of how good you did. The focus is on trying to win a championship. That didn’t change, it got even worse now. All I want to win a championship. That’s my priority for the future.”
Jansen can't control what direction the Red Sox will lean by the time the deadline comes around, and he knows that. However, he's not even considering those possibilities at this point.
“I’m not in that space thinking about that right now, but if that time comes, we’ll see what they want to do,” Jansen said. “(My priority is) not gonna change. Winning is my priority. I would love to be playing for a championship. But I’m here and it has to be our priority to win. And me throwing the ball better to help my team win, too.
“I don’t know what they’re thinking, to be honest with you. It’s in their hands. For me, just pitch, help this team get better and see what they’ll do at the deadline.”
Boston's bullpen is better with Jansen in it, but if they start to fall out of playoff contention in the coming months, moving on from the veteran and getting something in return might be the smart move.
