Kenley Jansen was a staple in the backend of the bullpen for the Los Angeles Dodgers since making his MLB debut in 2010, but this season has brought about change.
Jansen was among the franchise’s homegrown talent to become a free agent, and like Corey Seager, has moved on from the Dodgers. There was interest from Jansen in remaining in L.A., but he signed a one-year, $16 million contract with the Atlanta Braves.
While Jansen left the only organization he’s known in his professional career, it was to join a Braves team the 34-year-old grew up rooting for because of fellow Curaçaoan native Andruw Jones. The Braves also signed Jansen’s brother, Ardley, in 1999.
After the signing, Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger were among the Dodgers to express their gratitude for Jansen and wish him well.
Cody Bellinger’s message to Kenley Jansen. pic.twitter.com/2a6oXGhFWw
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) March 19, 2022
Jansen made three All-Star Games appearances while with the Dodgers, won a World Series, and twice was named National League Relief Pitcher of the Year. Across 12 seasons with the Dodgers, Jansen posted a career 2.37 ERA and converted a franchise-record 350 saves.
The Dodgers have experienced their fair amount of roster turnover over thew past few years with new faces Mookie Betts, Trea Turner and Freddie Freeman joining the club. Jansen and Seager are among the first of the original core to depart, but the likes of Justin Turner and Clayton Kershaw still remain.
Jansen thanks Dodgers fans
Although Jansen drew the ire of Dodgers fans during various points over the past two seasons, he thanked them for their support — and criticism — in a message after signing with the Braves.
Jansen also highlighted former teammates, coaches and additional personnel who were instrumental behind the scenes.
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