Former Los Angeles Dodgers closing pitcher Kenley Jansen signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.
Jansen, 37, spent the first 12 seasons of his MLB career with the Dodgers, making 701 appearances for LA during that time.
The veteran made his debut for the Dodgers in 2010, and made 25 appearances throughout the season — allowing just two runs. He made three All-Star Games with the Dodgers, with his best two seasons coming in 2016 and 2017.
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Jansen made 65 appearances in 2017, posting a 1.32 ERA and recording a National League-leading 41 saves. The year prior, he had 47 saves and posted a 1.83 ERA through 71 appearances.
He recorded 350 saves with the Dodgers, and is the current active leader in saves with 476. Jansen had a 2.37 ERA with the Dodgers and won the 2020 World Series with the team. He also won the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award twice with the Dodgers.
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After leaving the Dodgers, Jansen spent a season with the Atlanta Braves, then two seasons with the Boston Red Sox.
The right-hander spent this past season with the Los Angeles Angels, posting a 2.59 ERA — his best mark since his final season with the Dodgers in 2021 — through 62 appearances. He recorded 29 saves in 31 opportunities in 2025, and had a stretch of 11 scoreless games towards the middle of the season. He earned his first American League Reliever of the Month award in July.
Detroit struggled with their bullpen in 2025, ending the season with the 17th best ERA in the league among their relievers. Will Vest served as their primary closer last season, and while he had a decent 3.01 ERA through 64 performances, he struggled in high-leverage situations, blowing seven of his 30 save opportunities.
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The Tigers will hope a seasoned veteran like Jansen can push them over the hump and into the World Series, which they haven’t won since 1984.
Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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