Yankees Could Steal Longtime Closer From Biggest Rival in Free Agency

The New York Yankees brought in Devin Williams to be their closer, but the bullpen could still use another big arm.

Most of the priority for the Yankees has been figuring out the infield and deciding whether to upgrade second base or third base. However, they can’t pass up this opportunity to grab the former closer of their biggest rival.

Kenley Jansen is one of the top relievers left on the free agency market. At 36 years old, he posted a 3.29 ERA and recorded 27 saves for the Boston Red Sox.

His strikeout numbers are as strong as they’ve ever been with fanning over 10 batters per nine innings. As he’s gotten older, walks have started to become a little more of an issue, but he is resilient more often than not on the mound.

Signing a player like Jansen to strengthen your own team and weaken the Red Sox is a win-win for the Yankees. Jansen would benefit from having Williams there to help ease some of the pressure, and it would give Aaron Boone a choice on who to use based on the situation.

Jansen’s market value is set at $14.7 million, and he is projected to sign a two-year deal. Signing with the Yankees would allow him to join a contender but also keep him pitching in American League East ballparks he is familiar with seeing on the road.

Signing Jansen would also give Williams an opportunity to learn more and develop into an even better closer.

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