Can Kenley Jansen Revive His Career As The Angels' Closer?

3 min read Post on May 17, 2025

Can Kenley Jansen Revive His Career as the Angels' Closer?

The Los Angeles Angels, perpetually chasing playoff contention, made a surprising move this offseason, signing veteran closer Kenley Jansen. The former Dodgers star, once a dominant force in the MLB, has seen a decline in recent years. But can a change of scenery be the spark he needs to reignite his Hall of Fame-caliber career in Anaheim? The question is on the minds of Angels fans and baseball analysts alike.

The 35-year-old Jansen, known for his devastating cutter, signed a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Angels. This move follows a somewhat disappointing season with the Boston Red Sox, where he posted a 4.50 ERA and struggled with consistency. While his velocity remained relatively consistent, his command faltered, leading to more walks and home runs than in his prime. This raises the crucial question: Can Jansen recapture his elite form in Anaheim?

Jansen's Past Glory and Recent Struggles

For years, Jansen was a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen, a seemingly impenetrable force in the ninth inning. His signature cutter, a pitch that painted the corners with remarkable precision, struck fear into the hearts of opposing batters. He consistently racked up saves, earning multiple All-Star selections and solidifying his reputation as one of baseball's best closers. He even held the Dodgers' all-time saves record before leaving for Boston.

However, the past few seasons haven't been kind. While he still possesses impressive stuff, inconsistencies and increased home run rates have plagued his performance. Some analysts point to a decline in his cutter's movement, while others attribute his struggles to age and the increased offensive power in baseball.

The Angels' Hope for a Resurgent Jansen

The Angels are banking on a return to form for Jansen. Their bullpen, while showing flashes of brilliance, has lacked a consistent, dominant closer. Manager Phil Nevin clearly sees Jansen as the key to unlocking the team's full potential. The Angels' front office, known for taking calculated risks, believes a change of environment could be exactly what Jansen needs.

The move also makes sense strategically. With a relatively short-term contract, the Angels minimize risk while adding a significant veteran presence to the clubhouse. They are hoping his experience and leadership will rub off on the younger pitchers in the bullpen.

Factors Contributing to a Potential Comeback

Several factors could contribute to Jansen's potential resurgence:

A Fresh Start: Leaving Boston could provide a mental reset, allowing Jansen to focus on his mechanics and rediscover his rhythm without the pressure of previous expectations.
A Different Approach: The Angels' coaching staff might implement subtle adjustments to his pitching strategy, focusing on maximizing his strengths and mitigating his weaknesses.
Improved Health: A healthy offseason and a focus on injury prevention could lead to better performance on the field.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, several challenges remain:

Age and Durability: At 35, Father Time is an undeniable opponent. Jansen will need to manage his workload carefully to avoid injury and maintain his effectiveness throughout the season.
Maintaining Velocity and Movement: The subtle changes in his cutter's movement need to be addressed for him to regain his dominance.
The Pressure of Expectations: The pressure of closing games for a playoff-hopeful team can be immense. Jansen will need to handle this pressure effectively.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Gamble

The Angels' acquisition of Kenley Jansen is a high-stakes gamble. While his recent performance has been less than stellar, his track record speaks for itself. If he can rediscover his elite form, the Angels will have a significant advantage in the AL West race. Only time will tell if this move will be a masterstroke or a costly mistake. The 2024 season will be a critical one, not only for the Angels' playoff hopes, but for Kenley Jansen's legacy as well. We'll be watching closely.

Call to Action: What are your predictions for Kenley Jansen's performance with the Angels? Share your thoughts in the comments below!