WOULD ADDING JANSEN MAKE SENSE?

MassLive's Chris Cotillo recently lobbed a suggestion Yankees fans might meet with a mix of intrigue and side-eye: the idea of pursuing former Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen in free agency. Yes, the same Kenley Jansen who’s been terrorizing hitters for years with a cutter so nasty it could moonlight as a horror movie villain.

"According to major league sources, the Yankees made a serious run at Jansen before he signed a two-year, $32 million contract with Boston in December 2022," Cotillo wrote. "With mercurial All-Star Clay Holmes heading for free agency after the season, it’s more than likely the Yankees look to add a big-time piece at the back end of their relief corps. And Jansen, at nearly 37 years old, just wants to win wherever he goes next."

Intriguing? Sure. Plausible? Eh, not so fast. As a Yankees fan, the idea of poaching a former Red Sox closer—one who has a 1.35 ERA and 9 saves in 19 career appearances against the Bronx Bombers—is tempting. Who wouldn’t want to steal Boston’s thunder and make it their rain? But let’s not forget the Yankees already have some lightning of their own with Luke Weaver, who came out of nowhere like that extra bag of fries at the bottom of the fast-food bag. Weaver earned the right to close games next season, no question.

Jansen’s résumé is stacked—four All-Star nods, a 2.57 career ERA, and the kind of poise that comes with 15 years of success. But he’s also 37 years old. In baseball years, that’s basically ancient—he’s one blown save away from being offered a gig on YES Network. And while Kiley McDaniel of ESPN predicts Jansen could land a two-year, $25 million deal (a bargain if you’re playing Monopoly), it’s hard to justify throwing big bucks at a closer whose best days might be behind him. Especially when you already have a shiny, new option in Weaver.

Instead of dropping millions on Jansen, the Yankees should let Weaver keep doing his thing and enjoy the bonus of flexibility unless they just want to put Jansen in the pen "just in case" or as a "Second closer", whatever that means. Picture Boone using him in high-leverage situations whenever the game is on the line—fifth inning, seventh inning, Tuesday at brunch. No need to save him exclusively for the ninth. Plus, spending that kind of money on a 37-year-old arm feels like buying a luxury sports car for your morning commute—it’s flashy, but probably not necessary.

While Jansen still has gas left in the tank and a cutter that could make hitters weep, this idea just doesn’t click. Let Boston mourn their own bullpen woes while the Yankees find the next unsung hero to dominate in pinstripes. After all, if Weaver’s already bringing the thunder, why pay for more rain if we don't have to?

I don't know, I'm conflicted. What do you think?