The Cincinnati Reds have emerged victorious in a competitive trade sweepstakes, acquiring veteran closer Kenley Jansen from the Los Angeles Angels in a $10 million deal. The move edges out rival interest from both the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, each of whom were eyeing bullpen upgrades for a postseason push.
Jansen, 37, signed a one-year deal with the Angels this past offseason but quickly became a top trade target as L.A. considered future-focused moves. The Reds, looking to solidify the back end of their bullpen and keep pace in a tight National League race, made an aggressive offer that ultimately won over the Angels’ front office.
While no longer the dominant force he was in his Dodgers prime, Jansen brings elite experience, a proven cutter, and a steady hand in high-pressure situations — exactly what Cincinnati was looking for to close out games. He joins a bullpen that has struggled to find consistency and will be expected to take over ninth-inning duties immediately.
The Red Sox’s involvement raised eyebrows, considering they let Jansen walk in the offseason, while the Cubs were seen as a serious contender due to their strong start and need for bullpen depth. In the end, it was Cincinnati’s combination of urgency and prospect value that sealed the deal.
The Angels, off to a respectable start but focused on a longer-term rebuild, opted to move Jansen while his value was high rather than risk losing him in free agency. The Reds, meanwhile, are signaling their intent to contend right now — and this move could be the first of several as the trade deadline approaches.
Full details on the Reds’ return package are expected soon, but the message is clear: Cincinnati is all in on 2025.
