Kenley Jansen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kenley Jansen
Jansen with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1987-09-30) September 30, 1987 (age 37) Willemstad, Curaçao
Bats: Switch Throws: Right
debut
July 24, 2010, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB statistics (through 2024 season)
Win–loss record	49–36
Earned run average	2.57
Strikeouts	1,221
Saves	447
Teams
Los Angeles Dodgers (2010–2021) Atlanta Braves (2022) Boston Red Sox (2023–2024)
Career highlights and awards
4× All-Star (2016–2018, 2023) World Series champion (2020) All-MLB Second Team (2021) 2× NL Reliever of the Year (2016, 2017) 2× NL saves leader (2017, 2022)

Kenley Geronimo Jansen, born on September 30, 1987, is a professional baseball pitcher from Curaçao. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Boston Red Sox.

The Dodgers signed Kenley as an undrafted player in 2004. He started as a catcher but later became a relief pitcher in the minor leagues. He made his big league debut in 2010. Kenley became the Dodgers' main closer in 2012. He led the National League (NL) in saves in 2017 and 2022.

After playing for the Dodgers for 11 years, he joined the Braves in 2022. Then, he signed with the Red Sox. Kenley is a four-time MLB All-Star. He also won the NL Reliever of the Year twice (2016, 2017). In 2019, he became the 30th pitcher to get 300 career saves. By 2023, he was the 7th pitcher to reach 400 career saves.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Kenley Jansen was born in Willemstad, Curaçao. He is the youngest of three sons. His dad worked in construction, and his mom is a travel agent. Kenley started playing baseball when he was six years old. He played with his older brothers.

He first played as an outfielder, then shortstop, and later third base and catcher. Kenley grew up cheering for the Braves. Their games were shown in Curaçao on TBS.

Kenley's Baseball Journey

Starting in the Minor Leagues

The Dodgers signed Kenley as a catcher in 2004. He played for the Rookie Class Gulf Coast Dodgers. He hit well, with a .304 batting average. Then he moved up to the Ogden Raptors.

In 2007, he played for the Raptors and the Great Lakes Loons. He also played in the Hawaii Winter Baseball League. In 2008, he hit 9 home runs for the Loons. He was even chosen for the Midwest League All-Star game.

Jansen batting for the Great Lakes Loons in 2008

In 2009, Kenley played catcher for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. He made a big play by throwing out a runner. This helped the Netherlands beat the Dominican Republic.

Later in 2009, the Dodgers suggested Kenley try pitching. He wasn't hitting well as a catcher. So, he switched to pitching with help from former major leaguer Charlie Hough. He continued to train as a pitcher in the Arizona Fall League.

Kenley was added to the Dodgers' main roster in November 2009. He pitched very well for the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino. Then, he moved up to the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts. He had a great 1.67 ERA there.

Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers (2010–2021)

First Years in the MLB

On July 23, 2010, Kenley joined the Dodgers in the Major Leagues. He made his debut on July 24. He pitched a perfect inning, striking out two batters. The next day, he got his first Major League save.

He got his first hit on August 31 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Kenley earned his first win on September 11. In 2010, he played in 25 games. He had a 1–0 record and a very low 0.67 ERA. He also saved four games.

In 2011, Kenley became a key part of the Dodgers' bullpen. He had a 2–1 record and a 2.85 ERA. He saved five games and struck out 96 batters. This set a new MLB record for strikeouts per nine innings.

Becoming a Closer

In May 2012, Kenley became the Dodgers' main closer. He finished the season with a 5–3 record, 2.35 ERA, and 25 saves. He also struck out 99 batters.

Jansen with the 2013 Los Angeles Dodgers

Kenley started 2013 as a setup pitcher. But he soon became the closer again. He played in 75 games. He had a 4–3 record, a 1.88 ERA, and 28 saves. He pitched well in the playoffs against the Atlanta Braves.

In 2014, Kenley was the Dodgers' full-time closer. He played in 68 games. He had a 2.76 ERA, 101 strikeouts, and 44 saves. He was only the fourth Dodger pitcher to get 40 or more saves in a season.

Dealing with Injuries and Setting Records

In 2015, Kenley had surgery on his left foot. He returned to play in May. He struck out 23 batters in his first 14 games without walking anyone. This broke team records. He finished the season with a 2.41 ERA and 36 saves. He also struck out 80 batters while only walking 8.

In 2016, Kenley set a new Dodgers record. He got his 162nd career save, passing Éric Gagné. He was also chosen for his first All-Star Game. He finished the year with a 1.83 ERA and 47 saves. He won the National League Reliever of the Year Award.

Continued Success and World Series Appearances

Jansen with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017

In 2017, the Dodgers signed Kenley to a big five-year contract. On June 11, he got his 200th career save. He also set an MLB record with 51 strikeouts before giving up his first walk of the season. He was named an All-Star for the second time. He had a great season with a 1.32 ERA and 41 saves. He won the National League Reliever of the Year Award again.

Kenley pitched well in the 2017 playoffs. He helped the Dodgers reach the 2017 World Series. However, the Dodgers lost the series to the Houston Astros.

In 2018, Kenley was chosen for his third straight All-Star game. He finished the season with 38 saves. He pitched well in the playoffs against Atlanta and Milwaukee. But he struggled in the 2018 World Series, which the Dodgers lost to the Boston Red Sox.

Reaching Milestones

On April 7, 2019, Kenley got a four-out save. On September 25, he reached a huge milestone. He got his 300th career save. He was the 30th pitcher in MLB history to do this. He was also the first in Dodgers history. He finished the season with 33 saves.

In 2020, Kenley had a 3–1 record and 11 saves. He led the National League in games finished. He helped the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series. This was his first World Series championship.

Jansen shaking hands with United States Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House in 2021

In 2021, Kenley reached another milestone. He became the twelfth reliever in MLB history to get 1,000 strikeouts. He finished the season with 38 saves and a 2.22 ERA. He pitched very well in the playoffs.

Playing for the Atlanta Braves (2022)

Kenley signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves in March 2022. He made his Braves debut on April 8. On April 19, he returned to Dodger Stadium to play against his old team. He got a save against the Dodgers.

Playing for the Boston Red Sox (2023–2024)

In December 2022, Kenley signed a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. On May 10, 2023, he made history again. He became the seventh pitcher in MLB history to record 400 saves. He was also named an All-Star for the fourth time. He finished the 2023 season with 29 saves.

Kenley started the 2024 season as Boston's closer. On April 20, he earned his 425th save. This moved him to fifth place on the all-time saves list. He finished the 2024 season with 27 saves.

Playing for His Home Country

Kenley has played for the Netherlands in three World Baseball Classics. In 2009, he was the starting catcher. He made a key play that helped his team win.

He joined the Netherlands team again for the 2013 World Baseball Classic semifinals. He also played in the 2017 tournament. He pitched a scoreless inning against Team Puerto Rico. He represented the Netherlands again in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

How Kenley Pitches

Jansen mid-pitch with the Dodgers in 2015

Kenley mainly throws a cut fastball. This pitch usually goes from 90 to 94 miles per hour. Earlier in his career, it could reach 98 mph. He even threw it over 100 mph in 2014. He uses this pitch most of the time.

He also throws a slider. It is a bit slower, in the low to mid-80s. He also throws a four-seam fastball around 92–96 MPH. Kenley is known for his great control. He throws strikes over 70% of the time. He also gets a lot of strikeouts.

Health and Well-being

In 2011, Kenley was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. This caused him to miss some games. The problem came back in 2012. He had a procedure to help fix it.

In 2018, his irregular heartbeat returned. He had to miss some time again. Doctors decided he could manage it with medicine. But the medicine made him feel tired. So, his doctors changed his treatment. He stayed in Los Angeles when the team went to Denver. This was because high places could be risky for his heart.

In November 2018, Kenley had another heart procedure. After this, he focused on a healthier diet. He lost 25 pounds. He no longer needed to take blood-thinning medicine. In June 2022, he again dealt with an irregular heartbeat.

Kenley's Life Off the Field

Jansen in 2016

Kenley spends most of his time off in Curaçao. He is married to Gianni Jansen-Fransisca. They have two daughters, Natalia Hannah and Key’Gia Keziah. They also have two sons, Kaden Isaiah and Kyrian Jeremiah.

Even though he throws with his right hand, Kenley 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