The Los Angeles Angels have made a significant addition to their bullpen by signing veteran closer Kenley Jansen to a one-year, $10 million contract. This move brings Jansen back to Southern California, where he spent the majority of his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A Storied Career
Kenley Jansen, 37, is one of the most accomplished closers in Major League Baseball history. Over 15 seasons, he has amassed 447 saves, ranking him fourth on the all-time saves list behind Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601), and Lee Smith (478) . Jansen’s career began with the Dodgers in 2010, where he transitioned from a catcher to a dominant relief pitcher. During his 12-year tenure with the Dodgers, he recorded 350 saves and was a three-time All-Star .
After leaving the Dodgers, Jansen spent the 2022 season with the Atlanta Braves, leading the National League with 41 saves. He then signed a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, where he continued to be a reliable closer, recording 27 saves in 2024 with a 3.29 ERA .
Impact on the Angels’ Bullpen
The addition of Jansen provides the Angels with a seasoned closer, allowing the team to shift hard-throwing reliever Ben Joyce into a setup role. Joyce, known for his fastball that can reach up to 105 mph, had a promising rookie season and is expected to benefit from Jansen’s mentorship.
Manager Ron Washington expressed enthusiasm about Jansen’s arrival, stating, “He brings experience, know-how and never gets shaken out there. And I think he’s going to do a good job of helping our young kids with their preparation and mental status” .
Jansen’s Pitching Arsenal
Jansen’s signature pitch is his cutter, which he threw 84.9% of the time in 2024. Despite a decrease in velocity from his peak years, his cutter remains effective, holding opponents to a .215 batting average and generating a whiff rate of 28.2% . He also occasionally utilizes a slider and a sinking fastball to keep hitters off balance.
Health and Durability
Throughout his career, Jansen has faced health challenges, including being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat in 2011, which led to a heart ablation procedure after the 2018 season. He was placed on the injured list with an irregular heartbeat again in 2022. Despite these issues, Jansen has remained a reliable closer, posting a career 2.57 ERA with 1,221 strikeouts over 868.1 innings .
Angels’ Offseason Moves
The signing of Jansen is part of a broader strategy by the Angels to add veteran leadership and experience to their roster. Earlier in the offseason, the team signed infielder Yoán Moncada to a one-year, $5 million deal. Moncada, 29, brings a career batting average of .254 with 93 home runs over eight seasons .
Additionally, the Angels signed former Dodgers utility player Chris Taylor to a one-year contract worth $760,000 after his release from the Dodgers. Taylor, 34, is known for his versatility, having played multiple positions throughout his career. He brings leadership to a young Angels roster, according to manager Ron Washington .
Outlook for the 2025 Season
The Angels are aiming to improve upon their 63-99 record from the 2024 season. The addition of Jansen, along with other veteran signings, is expected to provide stability and experience to a team looking to compete in the American League West. With key players like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon returning from injuries, the Angels hope that the blend of seasoned veterans and young talent will lead to a more successful campaign in 2025 .
In conclusion, the signing of Kenley Jansen represents a strategic move by the Los Angeles Angels to strengthen their bullpen with a proven closer. His experience, leadership, and performance history make him a valuable addition as the team seeks to become more competitive in the upcoming season.
