According to Jim Bowden, a former MLB executive and columnist for *The Athletic*, the Boston Red Sox are actively pursuing all the top free agent pitchers. With future Hall of Fame closer Kenley Jansen leaving the team after two seasons, a close observer of the Red Sox suggests they should sign Kirby Yates.
Kirby Yates was the closer for the Texas Rangers in 2024, earning $4.5 million on a one-year contract. According to *MLB Trade Rumors*, Yates is expected to receive a $14 million salary in 2025. At 37 years old, the 10-year veteran is likely to secure another one-year deal.
Jansen was paid $16 million in each of his two Red Sox seasons.
Yates Had Strong Comeback Year in 2024
On Saturday, *Red Sox Stats*, one of the most trusted social media accounts for Red Sox fans and insiders, highlighted that Kirby Yates, along with Blake Snell, had “stuff that was just comically better than everyone else available.” They also noted that Red Sox pitching staff discussions often emphasize “dirtiness in the zone” as a key factor.
After joining the Texas Rangers, Yates had a standout season, posting his best numbers since 2019, when he saved 41 games for the San Diego Padres and made the National League All-Star team. In 2024, he saved 33 games for Texas, boasting an impressive 1.17 ERA and a remarkable 0.827 WHIP. His performance earned him an American League All-Star selection.
Kenley Jansen saved 29 games in 2023 and 27 games in 2024 for the Boston Red Sox, but the team missed the postseason in both seasons. Jansen expressed his disappointment, especially after making the playoffs every year since 2013. For most of that stretch, he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played a key role in their 2020 championship win during the COVID-shortened season.
In 2022, Jansen signed with the Atlanta Braves and made the playoffs again. He saved the Braves’ only victory in their 3-1 NL Division Series loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Over the course of his career, Jansen has also been selected to four All-Star teams.
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