The Detroit Tigers just took a bold step to shore up the back end of their bullpen. They’ve agreed to a one-year deal with veteran closer Kenley Jansen, pending a physical, with a club option for 2027.
This move hands Detroit a proven ninth-inning specialist. It also brings a bit of history to the roster and signals that the Tigers want to finally stabilize their late-game situations after years of mixing and matching closers.
Kenley Jansen Brings Hall of Fame-Caliber Resume to Detroit
Adding Kenley Jansen isn’t just plugging a gap in the bullpen. It’s about bringing in one of the most accomplished closers of his era.
For a Tigers team that’s shuffled through ninth-inning options under manager A.J. Hinch, Jansen offers something they’ve been missing: a defined, battle-tested finisher.
Active Saves Leader on the Verge of History
Jansen comes to Detroit as MLB’s active saves leader, with 476 saves in a remarkable 16-year career. He’s just two saves shy of tying Hall of Famer Lee Smith for third on the all-time saves list.
Every time he jogs in from the bullpen at Comerica Park, fans might catch a little piece of baseball history. That kind of milestone chase does more than fill up the record book—it energizes the clubhouse and gives a young roster a front-row seat to how a future Cooperstown candidate prepares and competes.
Why the Tigers Needed a True Closer
Under A.J. Hinch, the Tigers have leaned on flexibility and matchups late in games instead of a classic closer. That approach has its perks, but it also brings volatility—especially for a team trying to take a step forward.
A Bullpen Without a Clear Ninth-Inning Anchor
Last season, the Tigers’ saves ledger told the story of a bullpen searching for a long-term answer. Will Vest led the club with 23 saves, but he wasn’t exactly locked in as a classic, every-night closer.
Later in the year, Kyle Finnegan—picked up midseason from the Nationals—handled many of the save chances and impressed enough for Detroit to keep him around on a two-year deal. Even with Finnegan back, the Tigers saw a chance to improve their late-inning hierarchy.
Jansen’s arrival lets Hinch push everyone else into roles that make more sense for their skill sets—seventh, eighth, or as matchup guys. Building a winning bullpen these days is about depth as much as it is about having a star, and Jansen helps set up that structure.
Jansen’s 2025 Performance: Still Elite in the Late Innings
Anytime a team signs a 38-year-old reliever, you have to wonder how much is left in the tank. With Jansen, the answer—judging by his latest season—is plenty.
Dominant Numbers with the Angels
In 2025, Jansen pitched for the Los Angeles Angels and turned in a season most closers would envy. He finished with a 5-4 record and a sharp 2.59 ERA, converting 29 of 30 save chances over 62 appearances.
A 97% save conversion rate is elite, period. Even more telling, Jansen converted his final 14 save opportunities and tossed 10 hitless innings over his last 10 games.
For a reliever his age, that late-season dominance suggests his conditioning, pitch mix, and approach still hold up well across a full schedule.
What This Signing Means for the Tigers’ Future
For Detroit, this move isn’t just about locking down the ninth inning in 2026. It’s about culture, credibility, and a clearer competitive path.
The club option for 2027 gives the Tigers some flexibility if Jansen keeps performing. If you’re a Tigers fan, it’s hard not to feel at least a little bit excited—or maybe just a bit hopeful—about what comes next.
Veteran Presence and Long-Term Aspirations
Jansen has made it clear he wants to keep pitching. He’s said he hopes to play four more years in the majors.
Detroit marks his fifth team in six seasons. That kind of journeyman run doesn’t mean he’s fading—if anything, it shows teams still value what he brings.
The Tigers have a young core, and a veteran closer who’s seen every kind of high-pressure moment is just what they need. Jansen can show younger pitchers the ropes, teach them how to handle the spotlight, and help build the mindset it takes to shut the door in close games.
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Tigers sign Jansen to bolster bullpen
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