The offseason has been quite eventful for the Los Angeles Angels, as the team has made strategic moves to enhance their playoff prospects. In November, they acquired outfielder Jorge Soler, a former World Series MVP, and later signed catcher Travis D’Arnaud. With the addition of Soler, D’Arnaud, and a healthy Mike Trout, the Angels’ offense is poised for a significant boost.
On Tuesday, the Angels made another impactful move. Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network was the first to report that Kenley Jansen will be heading to the Angels.
Breaking: Kenley Jansen to the Angels
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 11, 2025
This report was later confirmed by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, who stated that Jansen’s contract is valued at $10 million for one year.
He receives a one-year, $10 million deal. https://t.co/rHMXCNEQfT
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 11, 2025
Jansen began his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing as an undrafted free-agent catcher in 2004. However, after facing offensive challenges in the minor leagues, the team transitioned him to pitching. He made his debut in July 2010, becoming a staple in the Dodgers’ bullpen for the next decade and earning the role of closer in the 2012 season. He recorded 25 or more saves each year from 2012 to 2021, except during the shortened 2020 season, amassing a total of 350 saves in his nine seasons with the Dodgers – the highest in franchise history.
After his tenure with the Dodgers, Jansen tested free agency following the 2021 season and signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves, leading MLB with 41 saves that year. He subsequently secured a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, recording 56 saves and earning his fourth All-Star selection in 2023. Should the Angels lose their competitive edge by the trade deadline in July, Jansen could become a valuable trade asset for playoff-bound teams.
Social media reacted fervently to the news, with many fans humorously speculating about the possibility of Jansen returning to the Dodgers later in the season.
1 more pit stop before coming home pic.twitter.com/ayW9iS4FDh https://t.co/4EUgpcXLYV
— . (@dookiebettsss) February 11, 2025
Gonna spend every night staring across LA at the Dodgers like the green light in great gatsby https://t.co/o1kPc7cMCP
— Hugh (@zaboomahugh) February 11, 2025
Happy for Kenley, he got the nice short commute to watch Dodger games that he wanted https://t.co/UmKDj3psJC
— Jake (@Jake3Roy) February 11, 2025
Nats going with a bold new strategy of simply not having a closer this season https://t.co/ixuQtT9I4I
— SHACK (@WeAreAllShack) February 11, 2025
