Kenley Jansen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kenley Jansen |
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Jansen with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018
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| Los Angeles Angels – No. 74 | |||
| Pitcher | |||
| Born: September 30, 1987 Willemstad, Curaçao |
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| debut | |||
| July 24, 2010, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |||
| MLB statistics (through July 27, 2025) |
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| Win–loss record | 52–38 | ||
| Earned run average | 2.59 | ||
| Strikeouts | 1,258 | ||
| Saves | 465 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Kenley Geronimo Jansen (born September 30, 1987) is a professional baseball pitcher from Curaçao. He plays for the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Angels, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Boston Red Sox.
Jansen first signed with the Dodgers in 2004. He started as a catcher but later became a relief pitcher in the minor leagues. He made his MLB debut in 2010. From 2012, he became the Dodgers' main closer, which means he finishes games. He led the National League (NL) in saves in 2017 and 2022.
Kenley Jansen is a four-time MLB All-Star. He also won the NL Reliever of the Year award twice (2016, 2017). In 2019, he reached 300 career saves, and in 2023, he reached 400 saves. He joined the 450 save club on April 8, 2025.
Contents
Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Kenley Jansen was born in Willemstad, Curaçao. He was the youngest of three sons. His father worked in construction, and his mother was a travel agent. Kenley started playing baseball at age six with his older brothers. He first played as an outfielder, then shortstop, third base, first base, and finally catcher. He grew up cheering for the Atlanta Braves because their games were shown in Curaçao.
Baseball Career Highlights
Starting in the Minor Leagues
The Dodgers signed Jansen as a catcher in 2004. He played for their minor league teams, like the Gulf Coast Dodgers and Ogden Raptors. In 2008, he played for the Great Lakes Loons and was chosen for the Midwest League All-Star game.
In 2009, Jansen played catcher for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. He made a key play by throwing out a runner trying to steal third base. Later that year, the Dodgers suggested he switch from catcher to pitcher because his hitting wasn't strong enough. He learned to pitch with help from former major league player Charlie Hough.
Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers (2010–2021)
Jansen joined the Dodgers' main team on July 23, 2010. He made his first MLB appearance on July 24, pitching a scoreless inning. The next day, he got his first Major League save. In 2010, he played in 25 games, had a 1–0 record, and saved four games.
In 2011, Jansen became an important part of the Dodgers' bullpen. He set a new MLB record by striking out 16.1 batters per nine innings. In 2012, he became the Dodgers' main closer. He finished the season with 25 saves.
Jansen continued as the Dodgers' closer in 2013 and 2014. In 2014, he had 44 saves, becoming only the fourth Dodger pitcher to reach 40 saves in a season. In 2015, he had surgery on his foot but returned in May. He had an amazing streak of 27 strikeouts before giving up his first walk of the season.
In 2016, Jansen broke the Dodgers' franchise record for career saves. He was also chosen for his first All-Star Game. He won the National League Reliever of the Year Award for his great performance.
In 2017, Jansen signed a big contract with the Dodgers. He recorded his 200th career save and set another MLB record with 51 strikeouts before giving up a walk. He was named an All-Star again and won the Reliever of the Year Award for the second year in a row. In the 2017 World Series, he had some tough moments, but he helped the Dodgers reach the final game.
In 2018, Jansen was chosen for his third straight All-Star game. He dealt with some heart problems that season, which affected his performance. In 2019, he made history by getting his 300th career save, becoming the first Dodger pitcher to do so.
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In 2020, Jansen helped the Dodgers win the World Series. He pitched well in the playoffs, securing saves and helping his team advance. In 2021, he reached 1,000 career strikeouts, a big milestone for a relief pitcher. He finished the season with 38 saves and a low ERA.
Moving to Other Teams (2022–Present)
After 11 years with the Dodgers, Jansen signed with the Atlanta Braves in 2022. He returned to Dodger Stadium to play against his old team and earned a save. In 2022, he led the National League in saves again.
In 2023, Jansen joined the Boston Red Sox. On May 10, 2023, he became only the seventh pitcher in MLB history to reach 400 saves. He was also selected for his fourth All-Star Game. He finished the 2023 season with 29 saves. In 2024, he continued as Boston's closer and earned his 425th save, moving up to fifth place on the all-time saves list.
As of 2025, Kenley Jansen plays for the Los Angeles Angels. He signed a one-year contract with them on February 11, 2025.
Playing for His Home Country
Jansen has proudly represented the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic three times. In 2009, he played as a catcher. After switching to pitching, he joined the team again in 2013 and 2017 for the semi-finals. He pitched a scoreless inning against Puerto Rico in 2017. He also played for the Netherlands in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
How Kenley Jansen Pitches
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Jansen mainly throws a pitch called a cut fastball. This pitch moves quickly and usually goes between 90 and 94 miles per hour (mph). Earlier in his career, it could reach 98 mph, and even over 100 mph sometimes! He also throws a slider. Jansen is known for his excellent control and for striking out many batters. He has one of the highest strikeout rates in baseball history for pitchers who have thrown a lot of innings.
Health Challenges
In 2011, Kenley Jansen was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, also known as atrial fibrillation. This condition caused him to miss some games. The problem came back in 2012, and he had a procedure to help fix it.
In 2018, his irregular heartbeat returned during a game in Colorado. Doctors decided he could manage it with medication until the off-season. However, the medication made him feel tired. He later had another heart procedure in November 2018. After this, he focused on a healthier diet and lost weight. He no longer needs to take blood-thinning medication. In June 2022, he again experienced an irregular heartbeat.
Personal Life
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Kenley Jansen spends most of his time off in his home country of Curaçao. He is married to Gianni Jansen-Fransisca. They have two daughters, Natalia Hannah and Key’Gia Keziah, and two sons, Kaden Isaiah and Kyrian Jeremiah. Even though he throws a baseball with his right hand, he writes with his left hand. A local baseball team in Curaçao, the Wildcats, changed their name to Wildcats KJ74 to honor him.
See also
In Spanish: Kenley Jansen para niños
- List of Los Angeles Dodgers team records
- List of Major League Baseball career games finished leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career saves leaders
- List of Major League Baseball single-inning strikeout leaders
- List of Major League Baseball players from the Netherlands Antilles
- Los Angeles Dodgers award winners and league leaders
