The Philadelphia Phillies have had a relatively quiet offseason, extending star pitcher Aaron Nola, but not doing much else to grab headlines.
After two seasons of deep playoff runs without a championship to show for them, though, MLB insider Jon Morosi has predicted that the Phillies may strike with a big move soon. Morosi named Philadelphia as a likely trade destination for Boston Red Sox All-Star closer Kenley Jansen.
“Now,
After losing Craig Kimbrel to the Baltimore Orioles in free agency, it’s even less clear who might serve as the Phillies’ closer than it was in 2023.
The relief corps currently includes Jose Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, Gregory Soto and Matthew Strahm, all of whom could get a crack at closing games but none of whom have a “true closer” resumé like Jansen’s.
the question is, which teams could acquire Jansen right now,” Morosi said during an appearance on MLB Network. “The quickest answer and one that a lot of people in the industry think is somewhat viable is the (Los Angeles) Dodgers … (but) I would also mention one more team that’s been somewhat quiet this offseason: the Phillies.”
Morosi underscored that “the Red Sox are in fact listening on Jansen” and he added that the Phillies are a likely destination not only because they have yet to make significant improvements to their roster this offseason, but also because he could fill the team’s biggest need.
“The Phillies, of course they brought back Nola, but for the most part, they have not really addressed the main reason why it was the (Arizona) Diamondbacks and not themselves who advanced to the World Series last year, and that’s their bullpen,” Morosi said. “So, again, Jansen is available… and two teams to watch there: the Dodgers and the Phillies.”
In a 14-year MLB career, Jansen has saved 420 games and has racked up 1,159 strikeouts, including 29 saves and 52 strikeouts in the 2023 campaign. He received an All-Star bid for the fourth time last season, suggesting he’s got plenty of gas left in the tank.
Morosi also detailed what it might cost the Phillies to add Jansen, who will be on the second year of a two-year, $32 million contract next season.
