All-Star Closer Kenley Jansen Wants to Return to Dodgers

Kenley Jansen spent 12 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers and left as arguably the greatest closer to ever don the Dodger blue. However, his book with the Dodgers may not be fully closed.

On Thursday, Jansen went on the Foul Territory show and was asked about his interest in going back to the Dodgers. Jansen emphatically stated:

“I want to see myself retiring in Dodger blue.”

He continued: “But is it a reality? No. I don’t know because I don’t have control over that. Also, I don’t know what they’re thinking and at the end of the day, it’s a business.”

Jansen has made his intentions clear that he wants to return to Los Angeles and play for the team that initially signed him in 2004 as an international free agent out of Curacao.

During his time in Los Angeles, Jansen became one of the league’s premier closers, making three All-Star teams, earning one top-five Cy Young award finish, and accumulating 350 saves, by far the most in Dodgers franchise history. Jansen also had a 2.37 ERA across his 701 relief appearances, and was a part of the 2020 World Series championship team.

Following the 2021 season, Jansen entered free agency and joined the Atlanta Braves. He spent one season in Atlanta before spending the last two with the Boston Red Sox, where he earned an All-Star nod in 2023 and was robbed of one in 2024.

Jansen continues to be one of the premier closers in baseball, sporting a 2.01 ERA with 18 saves in 31 appearances this season. He’s been linked to the Dodgers since the offseason, and could be an option for them come the trade deadline. If not, he’s a free agent at the end of the year, and could always return to the Dodgers if they wish to sign him in free agency.

While the Dodgers have obviously not made their intentions known on a reunion with Jansen, the 36-year-old has made his clear: He wants to finish his career with the Dodgers.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports