Kenley Jansen

Kenley Jansen has established himself as one of Major League Baseball’s premier closers, transitioning from a promising catcher to a record-setting relief pitcher. After making a pivotal career change to a relief pitcher in 2009, Kenley Jansen quickly established himself as one of Major League Baseball’s premier closers, making his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 24, 2010. He immediately showcased his dominance, setting an MLB season record for strikeouts per nine innings with 16.10 K/9 in 2011. Jansen continued his ascent, recording 25 saves in 2012, 28 saves in 2013, and a career-high 44 saves in 2014, becoming only the fourth Dodger pitcher in history to achieve at least 40 saves in a season.

That same year, he earned the Red Sox Good Guy Award, demonstrating his impact both on and off the field. Jansen has also proudly represented the Netherlands national baseball team in three World Baseball Classics. Continuing his exceptional career into 2024, Jansen recorded his 425th career save, surpassing John Franco for fifth all-time in MLB history. He further demonstrated his ongoing elite performance in 2025 as a closer for the Los Angeles Angels, being named American League Reliever of the Month in July.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Jansen is dedicated to philanthropy, having founded the Kenley Jansen Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports families with seriously ill and chronically ill children. He also actively serves as a mentor to younger players, sharing his extensive experience and leadership.