Padres Rumors: SD could face stiff competition from rival for Red Sox closer

True to form, it sure sounds like San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller is once again going to be right in the middle of the trade deadline chaos. The front office has already surprised many across the industry with their aggression in 2024 after trading for Dylan Cease and then swinging a deal with the Marlins for Luis Arraez at time when trades almost never happen.

However, the Padres are far from done despite the fact that they just had a series to forget against the Mets. Not only are they still checking on on the starting pitching market, but it appears as though they are also rumored to be continuing their pursuit of Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen that goes back to last offseason. Unfortunately, the Dodgers are reportedly eyeing a reunion as well, setting the stage for a possible bidding war between division rivals.

Padres reportedly keeping an eye on Kenley Jansen trade market

Jansen's fate at the trade deadline is a little bit tricky. While Boston is already pretty far back in the AL East with little chance of that changing given how well the Orioles and Yankees are playing, they're right in the AL wild card race, and trading away their closer could be a tough sell. However, Jansen is in the last year of his deal with the Red Sox and many pending free agents, even on good teams, get moved this time of year. Most seem to believe Boston is entertaining trading him.

San Diego's interest in Jansen last offseason got to the point when many thought a deal was inevitable. However, the two sides were not able to get a deal done, but it sounds like the Padres are still in on him even now. Jansen has put together another excellent season so far in 2024 with a 2.74 ERA in 22 appearances, so one can understand the appeal on the Padres' side.

However, the Dodgers' interest does present a problem. They really could use the bullpen depth given all of the injuries they've had to deal with this year, and Jansen's history with the Dodgers could lead him to at least try to steer any trade talks in their direction. It also doesn't help that the Dodgers are heavily invested in succeeding this season, so they could give the Red Sox an offer for Jansen they can't refuse.

In short, the Kenley Jansen chatter isn't likely to die down any time soon, but it isn't wise to count Preller out if we have learned anything from his time in charge of the front office.

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