As the MLB offseason heats up, veteran closer Kenley Jansen is making headlines as he eyes a potential move to the Philadelphia Phillies. With key bullpen losses looming, the Phillies are poised to make a bold play for the four-time All-Star, signaling a strategic shift in their quest for National League dominance.
Phillies face bullpen overhaul: Veteran relievers depart.
The Philadelphia Phillies find themselves at a crossroads as they prepare for the 2025 MLB season. With top relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez entering free agency and unlikely to return, the team is under pressure to rebuild its bullpen. Hoffman and Estévez were integral to the Phillies’ 2024 success, but their departures leave significant gaps in the team’s pitching roster.
In response, the Phillies have already signed former Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano. However, analysts believe that the team is not done making moves. According to MLB content creator Robbie Hyde, Kenley Jansen is a strong candidate to join the Phillies’ bullpen. Hyde stated in a recent YouTube video, “At this point in his career, [Jansen] wants to go to a winner, and with the Phillies potentially losing both Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez, they could use a veteran guy at the back end of the bullpen, someone they can rely on.”
Jansen’s track record: A closer with Hall of Fame potential.
Kenley Jansen, who spent the last two seasons with the Boston Red Sox, remains one of the most reliable closers in MLB. The 36-year-old notched 27 saves in 31 opportunities in 2024, posting a 3.29 ERA and an impressive 62-to-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 54 2/3 innings. His performance earned him a spot as Boston’s lone All-Star selection in 2023.
Jansen’s career achievements are equally notable. With 447 career saves, he ranks fourth on MLB’s all-time saves leaderboard and has a realistic chance of hitting the 500-save milestone—an achievement that would cement his legacy as one of the game’s all-time great closers. Despite entering the twilight of his career, Jansen’s consistency and experience make him an attractive option for teams seeking a dependable closer in high-pressure situations.
Financial considerations: A calculated risk for the Phillies?
Reports suggest that Jansen is projected to command a two-year deal worth approximately $29 million, slightly less than his previous two-year, $32 million contract with the Red Sox. For the Phillies, this investment could represent a strategic financial decision. By potentially pairing Jansen with Jordan Romano, the Phillies would assemble a veteran duo capable of stabilizing their bullpen without breaking the bank.
Swapping out Hoffman and Estévez for Jansen and Romano may not appear to be a definitive upgrade on paper, but it offers financial flexibility and depth to the team’s pitching staff. As Hyde noted, Jansen’s desire to join a playoff contender aligns with the Phillies’ aspirations to remain competitive in the National League after a 95-win season in 2024.
Potential impact: How Jansen could reshape the Phillies’ bullpen.
Jansen’s addition could provide the Phillies with a proven closer and a leader in the bullpen, a critical asset for a team with postseason ambitions. Pairing him with Romano, who has shown promise as a closer himself, could create a formidable back-end pitching tandem. This move would also allow the Phillies to maintain their status as a National League powerhouse.
Moreover, signing Jansen could spark a ripple effect in the free-agent market for relievers. With other high-profile bullpen arms like Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Jeff Hoffman still available, Jansen’s move might set the tone for offseason negotiations and intensify competition among contending teams looking to bolster their pitching rosters.
What’s next for Jansen and the Phillies?
While speculation mounts, a deal between Jansen and the Phillies has yet to materialize. However, the potential partnership reflects the Phillies’ commitment to addressing their bullpen needs with urgency and precision. For Jansen, joining a playoff contender like Philadelphia would offer the opportunity to chase historic milestones and possibly secure another shot at a World Series title.
As the MLB offseason unfolds, all eyes will remain on the Phillies’ efforts to solidify their bullpen and on Kenley Jansen’s next move. If the deal comes to fruition, it could serve as one of the most impactful offseason acquisitions, setting the stage for a transformative 2025 season in Philadelphia.
