Red Sox Bullpen Shakeups $70 Million Projected Replacement Deal Swing On Kenley Jansen For…
In what might be one of the most intriguing bullpen shakeups of the offseason, the Boston Red Sox have reportedly targeted Devin Williams as the potential successor to Kenley Jansen as their closer. The projected price tag for this deal? A whopping $70 million—a figure that underscores just how serious the Red Sox are about reshaping their bullpen for the future.
For the Red Sox, this isn’t just about replacing a closer. It’s about making a statement that they are ready to invest in the future while balancing the need for immediate results. But with Jansen still an elite option in the bullpen, the move raises an obvious question: Why make the switch to Williams, and is the price worth it?
At first glance, the decision to move on from a well-established veteran like Kenley Jansen—who finished the 2023 season with a 3.57 ERA and 29 saves—might seem puzzling. After all, Jansen has been a model of consistency, delivering solid results year after year, especially in high-leverage situations.
But what makes Devin Williams such an attractive option is his exceptional strikeout rate and ability to dominate opposing hitters. With a blazing changeup that has earned him a reputation as one of the best relief pitchers in baseball, Williams posted a staggering 1.93 ERA and 15.7 strikeouts per 9 innings in 2023. His ability to generate swings and misses is nearly unparalleled, and the Red Sox are betting that his electrifying stuff will be a game-changer in the closing role.
While Jansen has been reliable in his own right, Williams brings a level of volatility—both in his pitch arsenal and his age (he’s in his prime at 29)—that could lead to even higher upside for the Red Sox bullpen.
So, why is $70 million the projected cost of replacing Jansen with Williams? The Red Sox are reportedly willing to commit to a long-term deal to lock up the dynamic closer, likely spanning several years. Given that Williams is one of the top relievers in the game, his market value is steep, and the Red Sox will have to pay top dollar to secure his services.
While some might view this as a risky financial commitment, it’s important to note that Boston has been aggressive in recent years, particularly when it comes to bolstering their bullpen. After a series of ups and downs, they are clearly betting on high strikeout pitchers who can shut down games in the late innings.
From a financial standpoint, this could be a savvy move for the Red Sox. The team has the flexibility to invest in a closer with more control and potential upside than Jansen, whose time at the top of the bullpen hierarchy may be winding down. Meanwhile, locking up Williams long-term helps solidify a cornerstone of the bullpen for years to come.
For the Red Sox, the decision to make such a significant investment in Williams is about more than just the 2024 season. It’s about building a bullpen that can sustain success over the long haul. Jansen may have had a strong 2023 season, but Boston is clearly positioning itself to have one of the most fearsome late-inning trios in the league with Williams at the helm.
In a highly competitive AL East division, the Red Sox can’t afford to stand still. With young talent like Triston Casas and Rafael Devers leading the charge on offense, securing a dynamic closer like Williams could give the team the edge they need to return to the postseason and challenge for a title. If Williams continues to develop into one of the game’s most dominant relievers, the $70 million deal might just look like a bargain in a few years.
But it’s not without risk. The bullpen can be volatile, and there’s no guarantee that Williams will continue to perform at the level he did in 2023. But the Red Sox are banking on the upside, and that’s something fans can get excited about.
By targeting Devin Williams with a projected $70 million commitment, the Red Sox are sending a clear message: they’re not just building for the present, they’re constructing a bullpen for the future. This move, if it comes to fruition, will have ramifications for how the team approaches the next few seasons and could serve as the foundation for a dominant bullpen that carries them back into contention for the postseason.
As the offseason continues to unfold, this deal will likely be one of the most scrutinized moves in the AL East—and if it pans out, the Red Sox could have found their next great closer to build around for the next half-decade.