Kenley Jansen

Lore & Background

Signed by the Dodgers as an undrafted free agent in 2004, Jansen converted from a catcher to a relief pitcher in the minor leagues and made his major league debut in 2010. He served as the Dodgers' closer starting in 2012, and led the National League (NL) in saves in 2017 and 2022. After 11 years with the Dodgers, he entered free agency and signed a one-year deal with the Braves in 2022. He then signed with the Red Sox. Jansen is a four-time MLB All-Star and two-time NL Reliever of the Year (2016, 2017). In 2019, Jansen became the 30th pitcher to reach 300 career saves. In 2023, he became the seventh pitcher to total 400 career saves. He also is a member of 450-save club, having reached that on April 8, 2025.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Dodger Stadium was thick with humidity and anticipation. The crowd held its breath as Kenley Jansen walked from the bullpen mound, his signature long hair flowing beneath his cap. He didn't need a warm-up; he just needed the ball in his hand. The batter stepped into the box, eyes locked on the pitcher's grip. With a motion that was almost casual yet terrifyingly precise, Jansen delivered. The cutter darted away from the hitter's bat with vicious late movement, missing by inches as the umpire barked "Strike three!" The stadium erupted, a familiar roar for the man who had turned so many of those final moments into triumphs over the years.

Reader's Guide

Jansen was born in Willemstad, Curaçao, the youngest of three sons of Isidor and Bernadette Jansen. His father worked in construction until suffering a stroke when Kenley was 12. His mother was a travel agent. Jansen grew up as a Braves fan because the team's games were broadcast in Curaçao on TBS. The team signed fellow Curaçaoan Andruw Jones and Jansen's older brother Ardley. Kenley Jansen began playing baseball at the age of six, alongside his older brothers. He began as an outfielder before moving to shortstop. Jansen then met Andrelton Simmons and was shifted to third base. He later played first base and catcher. The Dodgers convinced Jansen that he had no future at catcher because of his poor offensive numbers and that he should switch to pitching. Under the tutelage of former major leaguer Charlie Hough, he made the conversion in the second half of the 2009 season at Inland Empire.

Did You Know?

• Jansen was signed as an undrafted free agent catcher by the Dodgers organization on November 17, 2004.
• He made his Major League debut in relief on July 24, 2010 against the New York Mets, pitching a scoreless inning.
• Jansen became the Dodgers' closer in May 2012 after Javy Guerra struggled in the role.
• He broke the Dodgers franchise record for saves on June 20, 2016, previously held by Éric Gagné.
• Jansen struck out 96 batters in 2011, setting a Major League season record with 16+1⁄3 strikeouts per nine innings.