BREAKING: Top star early departure from the Red Sox has reportedly disappointed his colleagues

The 2024 Red Sox season came to an official end at Fenway Park on Sunday afternoon.

However, a few days prior, Kenley Jansen, Boston’s All-Star closer, departed Fenway Park.

In the final series of Boston’s 2024 season, Alex Cora disclosed on Friday that Jansen “went home” a few days after the team was ultimately declared out of postseason contention.

Despite the fact that Jansen was anticipated to miss the remainder of the season due to inflammation in his right shoulder when he was placed on the 15-day injured list last Sunday, his decision to leave early before Game 162 concluded was nonetheless noteworthy coming from one of the few veterans in the clubhouse.

Even though Jansen was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation last Sunday and was not expected to pitch the rest of the year, his early absence before Game 162 wrapped was still an interesting decision by one of the few veterans in the clubhouse.

 

 

 

 

According to Sean McAdam of MassLive, Jansen’s decision to leave before the 2024 season ended frustrated several teammates.

“Several players, who requested anonymity, expressed their disappointment with Jansen’s early exit, although one remarked, ‘I can’t say I’m too surprised.’ Jansen was known for being somewhat detached during his time with the Sox, occasionally forgetting some teammates’ names,” McAdam reported.

One Red Sox player mentioned that Jansen entered the training room last Sunday prior to a split doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins and declared he would pitch in the first game and then be finished for the season. Interestingly, he pitched the top of the ninth inning in a game where the Sox were ahead by eight runs. He later informed reporters that he was done pitching for the season and suggested they verify that with the team.

Before Boston’s season finale on Sunday, Cora was asked about Jansen’s departure and the removal of his nameplate from the locker.

“I told Kenley to go home,” Cora stated. “If anyone’s upset, they should come to my office and talk to me. We had a discussion earlier in the week, and there are other factors at play for Kenley. But I decided that since we’re out of contention, he could leave if he wanted to, and he chose to go home.”

Jansen wrapped up his second season with the Red Sox, finishing with a 3.29 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 54.2 innings. The 36-year-old closer achieved 27 saves in 31 chances, totaling 56 saves during his time with Boston.

 

 

 

 

With Jansen’s early exit, upcoming free agency, and his earlier remarks about Boston’s quiet offseason, it seems likely that he has pitched his final game in a Red Sox uniform.

“I definitely feel frustrated,” Jansen told WEEI’s Rob Bradford during spring training. “I came here with the expectation that Year 1 would be competitive and Year 2 would see us really push for it. I understand there have been many changes in the organization and a shift in vision. That’s part of business. But I still have one more year here, and I’m committed to giving the fans my best.”