Angels solidify back end of bullpen with Kenley Jansen deal

With the deal, Jansen returns to Southern California, an area where he prospered during his 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his time at Chavez Ravine, Jansen became one of the game's most proficient closers, logging 350 saves and a 2.37 ERA over 705.0 innings.

Jansen will slide into the closer role in Anaheim that was held by Ben Joyce after Estevez was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in late July. Joyce tallied four saves in August and September, tying with Luis Garcia for the second-highest mark on the Angels last season. The 24-year-old Joyce will now likely become a setup man for Jansen.

Jansen's signing continues what has been a busy offseason in Anaheim, including a trade for outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler that was one of the first moves of the offseason back in November. Also helping reshape the look of the pitching staff (along with Jansen) was a three-year deal handed out to starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and a one-year contract given to Kyle Hendricks.

"We're definitely looking to make this club better. There's a lot of areas where we can get better," Angels general manager Perry Minasian said after the Hendricks signing.

Those moves, including Jansen's deal, make the Angels one of the most aggressive teams of the offseason as the franchise tries to build around Mike Trout and his return to the lineup following an injury-filled 2024 campaign where the future Hall of Famer saw action in just 29 games.