MLB Rumors: Braves reunion, White Sox buzz, Correa buyer’s remorse

MLB Rumors: Could the Braves trade for an old friend?

As we speak, it’s tough to see the Boston Red Sox trading away an asset the quality of Kenley Jansen unless they can receive something of value in return. In a season with seemingly so many contenders — or teams without a clear role as buyers or sellers — the 2023 MLB trade deadline is sure to be a strange one.

Boston is in last place in the AL East, just one game behind the Yankees. But at 48-43, plus 8-2 in their last ten games, they are well within striking distance of the AL Wild Card should they keep up this hot stretch. Jansen, for one, has been instrumental in the Sox bullpen, and really enjoys playing in Boston.

“I hope it doesn’t happen. I love the city. I love the team. I love everything about it. I want to win there,” Jansen told Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

Still, some in the industry think the Red Sox will come back down to earth, and thus to their senses. If Boston were to trade Jansen, a team like the Atlanta Braves could be a viable suitor. Atlanta’s bullpen needs more depth in the back-end, and Jansen as a former Brave himself is quite familiar with the squad Alex Anthopoulos assembled. Jansen still has one more year left on his contract, and given the state of the pitching market, trading for Kenley won’t come cheap.

There really aren’t many upgrades the Braves need to make at the deadline. They are the best team in baseball this year for a reason. However, acquiring one of their old friends in Boston makes a lot of sense, whether it be Jansen or even Adam Duvall to sure up the outfield.