Four-time All-Star closer Kenley Jansen has signed a new contract with the Los Angeles, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post. It’s a one-year, $10 million deal for Jansen, reports the Post’s Joel Sherman.
Jansen, 38, concluded the 2024 season with impressive statistics, recording a 3.29 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and amassing 63 strikeouts over 54 2/3 innings pitched. Throughout the season, he successfully converted 27 of his 31 save opportunities, showcasing his reliability in high-pressure situations across 54 appearances.
Despite his solid performance, there were rumors leading up to the trade deadline that the Boston Red Sox were considering moving him to another team, raising questions about his future. However, those discussions abruptly came to a halt, and Jansen’s time with the Red Sox ended unexpectedly. Unfortunately, he also faced challenges late in the season, as he missed the final six games due to a sore right shoulder, which highlighted concerns over his health as he approached the offseason.
Kenley Jansen Signs with Angels
Before joining the Red Sox, Jansen recorded at least 30 saves in each of his last eight 162-game seasons (2014-19, 2021-22), including 40 or more in 2014 (44), 2016 (47), 2017 (41) and 2021 (47). On May 10, 2023, Jansen became the seventh pitcher in MLB history to record 400 saves. He was named to his fourth All-Star Game as the lone Red Sox representative. For the 2023 season, Jansen notched 29 saves with a 3.63 ERA while striking out 52 batters in 44 2/3 innings.
In an illustrious career, Kenley Jansen emerged as the National League saves leader while showcasing his skills with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 and later with the Atlanta Braves in 2022. His tenacity on the mound contributed to the Dodgers clinching a World Series title in 2020, a pinnacle achievement that marked his dedication to the game. After his pivotal role with Atlanta in 2022, Jansen made headlines by signing a lucrative two-year contract with the Red Sox before the start of the 2023 season. With 447 career saves, he stands out as the most accomplished reliever among active players and boasts the fourth-highest saves record in MLB history.
Jansen could get to third on the all-time career saves list, with Lee Smith only 31 away at 478. Mariano Rivera (652) and Trevor Hoffman (601) likely remain out of reach.
Main Photo: © Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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