The baseball world is buzzing as two teams, the Los Angeles Angels and the Detroit Tigers, are showing interest in veteran reliever Kenley Jansen. This news, reported by Ari Alexander of 7News Boston, highlights the ongoing need for reliable bullpen arms in Major League Baseball. Both teams are actively seeking high-leverage relievers, and Jansen, with his proven track record, fits the bill. But, is he still the same pitcher he once was? Let's dive in.
Jansen, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract last February, delivered a solid performance for the Angels in 2025. He racked up 29 saves in 30 opportunities and posted a 2.59 ERA across 59 innings. However, a closer look reveals some potential concerns. His SIERA (Skill-Interactive ERA), a more advanced metric, was 3.94, suggesting he might have benefited from some good fortune. This is reflected in his low .195 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play) and an 85.2% strand rate. In simple terms, he got lucky in a few key moments.
And this is the part most people miss... Jansen's hard-hit ball rate was a high 44.6%, and his walk rate was a below-average 8.1%. While his strikeout rate of 24.4% was decent, it was also the lowest of his 16-season career, a noticeable drop from the 28.4% he achieved with the Red Sox in 2024. His signature cutter remains a formidable pitch, but his reliance on it, throwing it 81.4% of the time in 2025, makes him somewhat predictable. Hitters are still struggling to fully capitalize on this cutter-heavy approach, but Jansen hasn't found much success when mixing in his sinker or sweeper.
Considering Jansen's age (he turned 38 last September) and his less-than-stellar underlying numbers, it's fair to wonder if his performance is starting to decline after a long career. This presents a tricky situation for teams looking to bolster their bullpen. No team wants to be stuck with a reliever whose production suddenly plummets. However, it's also worth noting that Jansen is one of the most accomplished closers in MLB history, and he actually improved as the 2025 season progressed, finishing with a stellar 1.02 ERA over his last 35 1/3 innings.
Jansen has expressed his desire to pitch for "at least" through the 2029 season. Given his age, a short-term deal is the most likely scenario this winter. Before his stint with the Angels, Jansen secured a two-year, $32 million deal with the Red Sox and a one-year, $16 million contract with the Braves. Assuming he signs another one-year contract, teams may be willing to take the risk, hoping he can defy Father Time for another season.
The Angels currently lack obvious closer candidates. Injuries have limited Robert Stephenson to just 10 innings over two seasons, and Ben Joyce missed most of 2025 due to shoulder surgery. Reid Detmers is being given another shot as a starting pitcher, so inserting him into a closing role might be a stretch. There appears to be mutual interest in a reunion, as Angels GM Perry Minasian has praised Jansen's leadership, and Jansen enjoyed his time in Anaheim.
On the other hand, Jansen might prefer pitching for a team with a better chance of postseason contention. While the Angels haven't had a winning season since 2025, the Tigers have reached the ALDS in consecutive years. Upgrading their bullpen could be a significant step forward. Despite Detroit's reliance on a "pitching chaos" strategy, having a clear-cut closer could provide much-needed stability.
Will Vest performed well as the Tigers' primary closer last year. However, the Tigers' interest in pitchers like Pete Fairbanks, Kyle Finnegan, and Devin Williams suggests they're looking to add to their ninth-inning options, or that Vest might be moved to a different role. Jansen's decline in strikeouts could be a concern for Detroit, as they are eager to increase swing-and-miss in their bullpen. Tigers relievers combined for just a 20.1% strikeout rate in 2025, the second-lowest in baseball.
So, what do you think? Will Kenley Jansen continue to be an effective closer? Do you think the Angels or Tigers are the better fit for him? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
