The Boston Red Sox have been performing impressively in the 2024 MLB season, with three of their players – Rafael Devers, Tanner Houck, and Jarren Duran – earning spots in the All-Star game. Despite their strong showing, one player who deserved a spot on the roster was closer Kenley Jansen.
At 36 years old, Jansen is having one of his best seasons yet, boasting a 2.01 ERA and a 1.053 WHIP in 31 appearances. When compared to New York Yankees’ Clay Holmes, who made the All-Star team with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.306 WHIP in 37 appearances, Jansen’s stats speak for themselves. Jansen leads in both Baseball Reference WAR (1.5 to 0.5) and Fangraphs WAR (1.2 to 0.9), with a higher strikeout percentage (28% to 23.9%) and a lower FIP (2.18 to 2.67).
While Holmes may have more saves, strikeouts, and innings pitched due to appearing in more games, Jansen’s overall performance this season should not have gone unnoticed. He outshines other potential All-Star contenders like Emmanuel Clase, Mason Miller, and Kirby Yates, making a strong case for his inclusion in the roster over Holmes.