Tigers sign closer Kenley Jansen to one-year, $11M deal

Field Level Media|published: Wed 17th December, 12:52 2025

MLB: Kansas City Royals at Los Angeles Angels

Sep 24, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) earns his 28th save of the season in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers agreed to terms with four-time All-Star closer Kenley Jansen on a one-year, $11 million contract on Wednesday.

The deal is worth $9 million for the 2026 season and includes a club option for 2027 at $12 million, with a buyout of $2 million.

Jansen, 38, ranks fourth in major league history with 476 career saves. He needs three more to pass Hall of Famer Lee Smith for third place.

The veteran right-hander is coming off a strong campaign with the Los Angeles Angels. In 62 relief appearances, he recorded a 2.59 ERA with 29 saves. He was named the American League Reliever of the Month for July.

Jansen spent his first 12 seasons (2010-21) with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is 54-40 with a 2.57 ERA in 933 relief appearances. He also pitched for the Atlanta Braves (2022) and Boston Red Sox (2023-24).

--Field Level Media

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