Four-time All-Star closer Kenley Jansen enters the 2025 MLB season fourth on the all-time saves list. With 447 career saves, Jansen is just 32 away from passing Hall of Fame closer Lee Smith for third all-time.
After spending the first 12 seasons of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jansen left LA for the Atlanta Braves in 2022 before spending the last two seasons with the Boston Red Sox. An All-Star in 2023, Jansen had another strong season in 2024, finishing his two-year Red Sox tenure with a 3.44 ERA and 114 strike outs in 105 appearances out of the bullpen.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Kenley Jansen (74)
© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
On Feb. 11 it was reported by ESPN that Jansen had signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. On Saturday, the Angels made that news official.
“OFFICIAL: The Angels have agreed to one-year contracts with RHP Kenley Jansen and INF Yoán Moncada,” the Angels announced on X.
The news of Jansen’s departure leaves a vacancy in the backend of Boston’s bullpen, one that could be filled by another multi-time All-Star.
On Jan. 30 it was reported by Ken Rosental of The Athletic that two-time All-Star pitcher Lance Lynn was drawing interest around MLB as a potential closer. On Tuesday, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer named Boston the best fit for the free agent right-hander.
“What makes the Red Sox an interesting fit for Lynn is that they’re one of the only contenders in MLB that lacks a clear answer at closer,” Rymer wrote. “Kenley Jansen was that guy in 2023 and 2024, but he’s in Anaheim now. The role is basically up for grabs, with Liam Hendriks, Aroldis Chapman and Justin Slaten among those vying for it this spring.”
Lynn has made 364 career outings, 340 of which have come as a starter. That said, the 37-year-old pitcher may be able to extend his career with a move to the bullpen. After Jansen’s departure from Boston, a deal with Lynn could make sense for the Red Sox.
After an up-and-down 2023 between Los Angeles and Chicago, Lynn had a better 2024 campaign with the St. Louis Cardinals, posting a 109 ERA+ in 23 games (all starts).
