MLB Twitter has strong reaction to Red Sox signing Kenley Jansen in free agency

Red Sox

MLB Twitter has strong reaction to Red Sox signing free agent Kenley Jansen

/ by Nick Goss

Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox clearly have made upgrading the bullpen a huge priority during the MLB offseason.

The latest move to improve that part of the roster was made Wednesday when the Red Sox reportedly agreed to a two-year, $32 million deal with Atlanta Braves closer Kenley Jansen. The 35-year-old right-hander led the National League with 41 saves in 2022.

Boston also has signed relievers Chris Martin (two years, $17.5 million) and Joely Rodriguez (one year with 2024 club option) over the last week.

What's the initial response to the Jansen move?

Here's a roundup of notable reaction on Twitter to Jansen joining the Red Sox.

Love the shape of the Red Sox bullpen. Joely Rodriguez, Chris Martin, and now a CLOSER in Kenley Jansen. 79 saves in the last two seasons, and heâs a winner. You know whoâs really good friends with Kenley? Xander Bogaerts. Letâs go! Get it done. Heâs our captain.
— Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) December 7, 2022

KENLEYYYSSSSSSS!!!!! @kenleyjansen74
— Enrique HernÃ¡ndez (@kikehndez) December 7, 2022

Red Sox projected bullpen after Kenley Jansen signing:

LHP Joely Rodriguez
RHP John Schreiber
RHP Matt Barnes
RHP Ryan Brasier
LHP Josh Taylor
RHP Tanner Houck (?)
RHP Chris Martin
RHP Kenley Jansen

I'm suddenly fine with Garrett Whitlock being a starter.
— Justin Leger (@justinjleger) December 7, 2022

OKAAAAAAAY CHAIM! https://t.co/LMONZ52lbT
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) December 7, 2022

Kenley Jansen likes the color red. pic.twitter.com/lFxxZ02uzT
— Tyler Milliken â¾ï¸ (@tylermilliken_) December 7, 2022

Stats against Kenley Jansen's cutter last season (ranks among 43 cutter-throwing pitchers with at least 100 batters faced):

64.4 percent usage (3rd-highest)
.170 average-against (2nd)
.262 SLG (3rd)
28.2 percent whiff rate (4th)
.157 xBA (1st)
.240 xSLG (1st)
.224 xWOBA (1st) https://t.co/FqqvgjHAVY
— Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) December 7, 2022

Love the Kenley Jansen signing for the Red Sox.

Bullpen needs to be revamped desperately and heâs a much needed veteran for the back end. Keep the moves coming.
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) December 7, 2022

Kenley Jansen

32.7% strikeout rate - 20th of 152 relievers

.191 OBA - 20th

1.05 WHIP - 44th

18.5% called strike rate - 25th

41 saves - 2nd

33 shutdowns - T-12th

Only issue has been the walks at times â¦ 13% walk rate in â21, but he cut it to 8.5% in â22
— Brian Barrett (@itsbrianbarrett) December 7, 2022

Kenley Jansen led the NL with 44 saves last year. 3.38 ERA, 1.047 WHIP at 34 years old.

The Red Sox (should) have an actual closer.
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) December 7, 2022