Former Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen will hit free agency after this season. He signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angeles for 2025 but spent the majority of his career with the Dodgers.
Jansen will turn 38 in September, and he has already won a World Series championship (2020) and earned four All-Star selections throughout his career.
The two-time National League Reliever of the Month could choose to retire at the end of this season rather than elect free agency. But Jansen told the Orange County Register he plans to continue playing for a few more years.
“My goal is at least four more years after this season,” Jansen said. “That’s my goal.”
Jansen is the Angels’ closer and has put together his best season since 2021 when he logged a 2.22 ERA in his last year with the Dodgers. The right-hander has posted a 2.79 ERA and 40 strikeouts, while converting 20 of his 21 save opportunities through 45 appearances.
He is still going strong on the mound but Jansen said he will need to put in extra work in the offseason if he wants to extend his career.
Jansen was unable to do extra work last offseason, as he was in his home country of Curacao to support his mother and father through their health issues. His mother passed away during the offseason, and his father reportedly suffered a stroke.
“I’m going to put the work in this offseason to get my body in better shape,” Jansen said. “Last year I spent the majority of time with my mom because of how sick she was. I didn’t work as much in the offseason. This offseason I’m definitely dedicating that to her and also to myself, to get in the best shape I can get.”
Jansen could re-sign with the Halos this offseason, but the veteran closer said he is only focused on producing for the team this season.
“I can’t predict,” Jansen said to the Orange County Register about staying with the Angels. “I know what I can do for this season to help. Unfortunately, those decisions are not in my hands. One thing I learned is both sides have to like each other to have each other in the future.”
