Kenley Jansen, a name synonymous with clutch performances and ninth-inning heroics, has carved out a remarkable career as one of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) most enduring closers. At 37 years old, the Los Angeles Angels’ relief pitcher continues to defy expectations, chasing milestones that may never be replicated in today’s evolving game. 

From his early days with the Los Angeles Dodgers to his current role with the Angels, Jansen’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unrelenting passion for securing the final three outs. This article delves into Jansen’s career, his recent performances, his pursuit of 500 career saves, and the questions fans are asking about him online, drawing from the latest available information.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Kenley Jansen was born on September 30, 1987, in Willemstad, Curaçao, a small Caribbean island with a rich baseball tradition. Growing up, Jansen idolized players like Andruw Jones, another Curaçao native who made his mark in MLB. Initially a catcher, Jansen’s powerful arm caught the attention of scouts, but it wasn’t until the Dodgers converted him to a pitcher in 2009 that his true potential emerged. This transition proved to be a pivotal moment, setting the stage for a career that would redefine the closer role.

Dodgers Dynasty: A Star is Born

Jansen debuted with the Dodgers in 2010, quickly establishing himself as a dominant reliever. His signature cutter, a pitch that baffled hitters with its late movement, became his calling card. By 2011, he was the Dodgers’ closer, racking up saves with a combination of precision and power. Over 12 seasons with the Dodgers, Jansen earned three All-Star selections (2016, 2017, 2018), a World Series title in 2020, and a reputation as one of the game’s most reliable ninth-inning arms. His 350 saves with the Dodgers rank him as the franchise’s all-time leader in that category.

Career Milestones and Achievements

The 400-Save Club: In 2023, while with the Boston Red Sox, Jansen achieved a rare feat, becoming the seventh pitcher in MLB history to record 400 career saves during a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Braves. This milestone underscored his longevity and consistency in an era where the closer role has become less predictable. As of June 2025, Jansen’s career save total stands at 460, making him the active leader and fourth all-time behind Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601), and Lee Smith (478).

Chasing 500 Saves: Jansen’s pursuit of 500 career saves has become a focal point for baseball fans. An article from The Athletic noted that he may be the last pitcher to reach this milestone, given the changing landscape of bullpen usage in modern baseball. Teams now prioritize high-leverage situations in earlier innings, often using multiple relievers rather than a designated closer. Jansen himself has acknowledged the difficulty of the final three outs, stating, “The last three outs are still the toughest outs to get.” His chase for 500 saves is not just a personal goal but a testament to his enduring relevance in a shifting sport.

Awards and Accolades: Jansen’s trophy case is impressive. Beyond his All-Star nods and World Series ring, he won the National League Reliever of the Year Award in 2016 and 2017. His 2022 season with the Atlanta Braves saw him lead the league with 41 saves, showcasing his ability to perform at an elite level even in his mid-30s. His career stats, including a 2.57 ERA and a 32.7% strikeout rate, reflect his dominance.

Recent Performance with the Los Angeles Angels

Joining the Angels after stints with the Red Sox (2023-2024) and Braves (2022), Jansen signed with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2025 season. His arrival brought veteran leadership to a bullpen in need of stability. Despite the Angels’ mediocre performance as a team, Jansen has been a bright spot, converting 13 of 13 save opportunities as of June 7, 2025. His ability to lock down games has been crucial, even if opportunities have been limited due to the team’s struggles.

2025 Season Highlights

Jansen’s 2025 season has been a mix of brilliance and challenges. On June 10, he secured a save by getting the final out in a tight game against the Seattle Mariners, striking out one in a perfect inning. Earlier, on June 3, he worked a clean ninth inning with one strikeout to earn another save in a 7-6 victory. His 460th career save came alongside Kyle Hendricks’ 100th career win on June 7, a moment celebrated by MLB’s official X account.

However, Jansen’s season hasn’t been without hiccups. On May 3, he endured a disastrous outing against the Detroit Tigers, surrendering six runs on six hits, including three home runs, in just two-thirds of an inning. Reflecting on the performance, Jansen was candid, saying, “Sometimes you stink.” He bounced back, though, posting a 3.86 ERA in 4 2/3 innings since that game, including two saves.

The Intentional Balk Incident

One of the most talked-about moments of Jansen’s 2025 season occurred on May 18 against his former team, the Dodgers. With Shohei Ohtani on second base and Mookie Betts at the plate, Jansen intentionally balked Ohtani to third to prevent potential sign-stealing. This strategic move, which he first employed in 2019 under the guidance of Dodgers bench coach Bob Geren, paid off when Jansen induced a game-ending lineout from Betts, securing an 11-9 Angels victory. The play sparked widespread discussion online, with fans marveling at Jansen’s veteran savvy.

Statistical Snapshot

As of June 2025, Jansen’s 2025 stats include a 4.43 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP, and a 19:9 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 20.1 innings. While his ERA is higher than his career average of 2.57, one bad outing against the Tigers has inflated the number. In save situations, he remains nearly flawless, with 12 strikeouts and just one run allowed in 13 save opportunities. His hardest pitch of the season, a 96.7 mph cutter thrown on May 17, signals that his arm strength remains formidable.

The Changing Role of the Closer

A Dying Breed: Jansen’s career has unfolded during a transformation in how MLB teams use their bullpens. In the early 2000s, closers like Rivera and Hoffman were expected to handle the ninth inning almost exclusively. Today, teams often deploy their best relievers in high-leverage situations as early as the sixth or seventh inning, reducing save opportunities for traditional closers. Jansen’s ability to thrive in this new era while chasing a milestone tied to the old-school closer role makes his story compelling.

Adapting to Modern Baseball: Despite the shift, Jansen has adapted. His intentional balk against Ohtani is a prime example of his baseball IQ, using unconventional tactics to gain an edge. His cutter, which he threw at 96.7 mph in May 2025, remains a weapon, and his ability to bounce back from poor outings, like the Tigers game, shows mental toughness. Jansen’s comments about the importance of the final three outs reflect his belief in the closer’s unique role, even as the game evolves.

Personal Life and Leadership

A Veteran Presence: Off the field, Jansen is known for his leadership. After his rough outing against the Tigers, he shared a lesson with his Angels teammates about resiliency, urging them to stay focused despite setbacks. His experience as a four-time All-Star and World Series champion gives him credibility in the clubhouse, and manager Ron Washington has praised his ability to handle pressure.

Health Scares and Resilience: Jansen’s career hasn’t been without challenges. In 2022, while with the Braves, he dealt with a heart scare but still led the league with 41 saves. His ability to perform through adversity, both physical and professional, has endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

Fan Sentiment and Social Media Buzz

X Posts and Fan Reactions: Social media, particularly X, has been abuzz with Jansen’s 2025 season. A June 10 post from @MSports_all praised his flawless save streak amid trade rumors, while another from June 8 noted his “unexpected Atlanta homecoming” during a game against the Braves. Fans have also celebrated his milestones, with MLB’s official account highlighting his 460th save. However, some posts, like one from 2024 noting his departure from Boston, hint at off-field challenges that have sparked curiosity.

Why Fans Love Jansen: Jansen’s appeal lies in his consistency, charisma, and underdog story. From a catcher in Curaçao to a potential Hall of Famer, his journey resonates with fans. His candidness, like admitting he “stunk” after a bad game, makes him relatable, while his strategic plays, like the intentional balk, showcase his brilliance.

The Road Ahead

Can He Reach 500 Saves: With 40 saves needed for 500, Jansen’s immediate future depends on his health, the Angels’ performance, and potential trades. If he stays with the Angels, limited save opportunities might slow his progress. A trade to a contending team could accelerate his chase but would require adjusting to a new environment. Either way, his pursuit is one of the most compelling storylines in baseball.

Hall of Fame Worthy: Fans and analysts frequently ask whether Jansen is a Hall of Famer. With 460 saves (fourth all-time), three All-Star appearances, and a World Series ring, his case is strong. However, the changing perception of closers and his higher ERA in recent years could spark debate. His impact on the game, particularly with the Dodgers, and his potential to be the last 500-save pitcher bolster his candidacy.

Legacy as the Last of His Kind: The Athletic called Jansen “the last of his kind,” a closer chasing a milestone that may never be matched. His career bridges two eras of baseball the era of the dominant closer and the modern, analytics-driven game. Whether he reaches 500 saves or not, Jansen’s legacy is secure as a pitcher who mastered the ninth inning and adapted to a changing sport.

FAQs

What teams has Kenley Jansen played for?

Kenley Jansen spent the majority of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2010–2022). In 2023, he signed with the Boston Red Sox, continuing his role as a veteran closer. Throughout his career, he has also represented the Netherlands in international competitions due to his Curaçaoan heritage.

What is unique about Kenley Jansen’s pitching style?

Jansen is famous for his powerful cutter, which is his signature pitch. Unlike many closers who rely on a fastball-slider combination, Jansen throws a cutter that behaves like a slider but with the velocity of a fastball. This pitch generates many swings and misses and weak contact, making him very effective in high-pressure situations.

Has Kenley Jansen won any awards or recognitions?

While Jansen has never won the prestigious Rolaids Relief Man Award or the Cy Young Award, his multiple All-Star selections and consistent saves totals have earned him wide respect. Additionally, he is often praised for his leadership and durability as a bullpen anchor.

How has Kenley Jansen performed recently?

As of the 2024 MLB season, Jansen has continued to be a reliable bullpen presence. Though his velocity has slightly declined with age, his command and experience have kept him effective. He remains a respected veteran closer, mentoring younger pitchers while still closing games at the major league level.

What is Kenley Jansen’s background and personal story?

Born on September 30, 1987, in Willemstad, Curaçao, Jansen originally started as a catcher before transitioning to pitching. His journey from a small Caribbean island to MLB stardom is inspirational. Off the field, he is known for his charitable work and leadership in the Curaçao community.

In Summary

Kenley Jansen’s story is one of perseverance, skill, and evolution. From his roots in Curaçao to his chase for 500 saves, he has defied the odds to remain one of baseball’s premier closers. His 2025 season with the Angels, marked by clutch saves, a viral intentional balk, and a candid approach to setbacks, has kept him in the spotlight. 

As fans ask about his health, his future, and his place among the all-time greats, Jansen continues to deliver, one cutter at a time. Whether he’s the last pitcher to reach 500 saves or not, his impact on the game is undeniable, cementing his status as a legend in the making.

To read more, Click Here .