Danny Jansen’s stint with the Red Sox lasted just two months, but he remains in the division he has pitched his entire major league career.
Jansen is headed to the Rays on a one-year, $8.5 million deal, according to multiple reports (including the Tampa Bay Times i Fansided). The veteran wide receiver reportedly chose Tampa Bay over several teams offering him multi-year offers. He is the latest shortstop to come off the market early in free agency, joining Kyle Higashioka (Rangers), Travis d’Arnaud (Angels), Jacob Stallings (Rockies) and Austin Hedges (Guardians).
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Apart from when he made history by becoming the first player in MLB history to play for two teams in the same game on August 29, Jansen had a rather forgettable cameo in Boston. The The Red Sox acquired him from the Blue Jays for three prospects on July 27 to improve the backup catcher position. (while cutting Reese McGuire) and potentially adding a right-handed bench bat in the process. Ultimately, Jansen hit just .188 with three homers, six RBIs and a .623 OPS in 30 games after the trade. For the season, he hit .205 with nine homers and a .658 OPS between the Jays and Red Sox.
Jansen had some solid seasons on both sides of the ball in seven years in Toronto and looked like he could have been one of the best free agent receivers available this winter. His poor offensive season forced him to a one-year deal, and he will likely get plenty of playing time in Tampa Bay, where Ben Rortvedt was the top catching option on the roster.
The Red Sox are in the market to add some catching depth with Connor Wong projected to once again start the season, as starter and top prospect Kyle Teel will likely make his debut early in the year. Boston is more likely interested in a veteran bridge option (potentially on a low-guarantee major league deal or minor league contract) to back up Wong and keep the seat warm for Teel early in the season. Jansen was looking for more playing time (and a better financial guarantee) than Boston is likely willing to give at this point.
Boston has already added official Seby Zavala in the mix for a minor league deal.
“We will certainly explore opportunities to improve,” baseball boss Craig Breslow said at the GM meetings last month. “That potentially includes some kind of backup role for Connor or whatever things turn out to be.”
Jansen is the first of Boston’s eight free agents to find a new team this winter. Luis Garcia, Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin, Nick Pivetta, Tyler O’Neill and Lucas Sims remain free agents while James Paxton announced his retirement.