That was the vibe coming from Los Angeles Angels closer Kenley Jansen as news broke that his former Dodgers teammate, Chris Taylor, would be joining him in Anaheim. Jansen, never shy about expressing himself, made his excitement known immediately, sharing a heartfelt and animated reaction on social media and in conversations with reporters during team workouts.
“Man, it’s like bringing back a piece of my baseball soul,” Jansen said with a grin. “Chris is not just a baller—he’s family. We went to war together in L.A. and made memories that will last a lifetime. To have him here with me again? It means everything.”
Jansen and Taylor were teammates on the Dodgers for several seasons, a period marked by consistent postseason appearances, epic October moments, and ultimately, a World Series championship in 2020. Their time in Los Angeles was more than just professional success; it was a brotherhood built through the grind of a long MLB season and the pressure cooker of playoff baseball.
For Jansen, known for his fiery presence on the mound and his unmatched cutter, Taylor was the kind of player you always wanted on your side. “CT3” developed a reputation as one of the most versatile and clutch performers in the league, capable of filling in at nearly every position while delivering timely hits and jaw-dropping plays in the field.
“You talk about a guy who does it all? That’s Chris,” Jansen continued. “He’s one of the most selfless teammates I’ve ever had. He shows up, puts in the work, and never complains. He just wants to win.”
That winning mentality is exactly what the Angels are hoping to inject into their clubhouse. After years of disappointment and underachievement, the franchise is trying to retool its roster around veterans who know what it takes to succeed at the highest level. With Jansen already in the fold and Taylor now arriving, there’s a palpable sense of a culture shift taking place.
“We’re not just here to play games,” Jansen said. “We’re here to build something special. Chris knows what that means. He’s lived it. And now he’s going to help us bring that winning DNA to Anaheim.”
The bond between Jansen and Taylor goes beyond the diamond. During their time in Los Angeles, the two formed a strong friendship rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a relentless drive to compete. Whether it was extra reps in the cage or postgame breakdowns over dinner, they held each other accountable and pushed each other to be great.
“There were nights when we were both gassed, and he’d still be out there taking ground balls or doing sprints,” Jansen recalled. “That kind of work ethic is contagious. It rubs off on everybody. And that’s what you need to create a championship environment.”
While both players took different paths after leaving the Dodgers, their reunion in Anaheim feels like fate. Jansen, now a veteran leader on the Angels’ pitching staff, has embraced his role as mentor and motivator. He believes Taylor’s presence will not only help the team on the field but also serve as a rallying point for the younger players in the clubhouse.
“This guy’s been through everything—struggles, position changes, huge playoff moments,” Jansen said. “He’s the kind of player our young guys can look up to. He leads by example, and when he talks, people listen.”
Chris Taylor, known for his humble demeanor, downplayed the attention but admitted the reunion with Jansen felt special. “It’s awesome, man. We had a lot of good years in L.A., and to be back with Kenley, it’s like picking up right where we left off,” Taylor said. “He’s a great teammate, and I’ve always respected the way he goes about his business.”
Taylor’s signing has already sent a ripple through the Angels fanbase. Social media lit up with nostalgic posts from Dodgers fans and hopeful messages from Angels supporters eager to see the duo bring their postseason pedigree to Anaheim. The move signals a renewed commitment from the Angels front office to build a roster with depth, experience, and leadership.
“There’s a hunger here,” Taylor noted. “This team wants to turn the page and start winning. I can feel it. And to be part of that, especially with a guy like Kenley around, makes it even more exciting.”
For Jansen, the reunion is also about unfinished business. While he cherishes the World Series ring he won in L.A., he believes there’s another chapter to write. He sees an opportunity in Anaheim to do something meaningful—to help transform a struggling team into a contender.
“I’m not here just to collect paychecks or pad stats,” he said. “I’m here to win. And having someone like Chris by my side makes me believe we can do just that.”
Spring training has already showcased the chemistry between the two veterans. From lighthearted moments during drills to intense conversations about strategy and technique, it’s clear that the Jansen-Taylor connection is back in full force.
“It’s funny,” Jansen said. “You spend a few years apart, but once you’re back together, it’s like nothing changed. Same energy. Same focus. Same brotherhood.”
Their presence is expected to elevate the performance and mindset of the entire Angels roster. Managerial staff and front office executives have lauded the leadership and professionalism both players bring to the table, noting how their work habits and positive attitudes are setting a new standard within the organization.
“When you bring in guys who know how to win, who have done it at the highest level, it raises the bar for everyone,” one team executive said. “Kenley and Chris are winners. Plain and simple.”
As the regular season approaches, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if this Dodgers reunion can spark a turnaround in Anaheim. With a roster that now includes two battle-tested veterans who share a deep history and mutual respect, there’s a growing belief that the Angels might finally be heading in the right direction.
“We’re not making any promises,” Jansen said. “But I can tell you this: We’re going to fight. Every game. Every inning. And we’re going to do it together.”
Whether it’s closing out a one-run game or delivering a clutch hit in the ninth, Jansen and Taylor are ready to lead. Their reunion is more than a feel-good story; it’s a potential turning point for a franchise that desperately needs one.
“This is just the beginning,” Jansen said, his eyes lighting up. “Watch us. We’re coming.”
And with that, the Angels’ faithful have every reason to believe that something special might just be on the horizon. Reunited, reloaded, and ready for the fight—Kenley Jansen and Chris Taylor are back where they belong: side by side, chasing greatness once again.
