When Kenley Jansen signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves it signaled the end of an era for the all-time Los Angeles Dodgers saves leader.
He left L.A. as the best closer in franchise history. Jansen dominated for more than a decade, twice winning National League Relief Pitcher of the Year, earning All-Star Game selections and finally a World Series title in 2020.
Jansen compiled 350 saves to go along with a 2.37 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over his illustrious Dodgers career. He was the longest-tenured Dodger, just ahead of Clayton Kershaw.
As much of a staple as Jansen was to shut down games, Kershaw was there to start them. They had been teammates since 2010 and seen a number of changes around the organization, and both cemented their place in Dodgers history.
The Dodgers had a plan in place to re-sign with Jansen, but it didn’t materialize. Kershaw recently reflected on Jansen’s career with the Dodgers and credited him for routinely answering the call, per Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
“He has dominated for a long time, and he was always there every year. He went out there and did what he was asked to do,” said Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, who came up through the Minors with Jansen. “We’re going to miss him. I’m going to miss him.”
One of the most iconic tandem performances by Kershaw and Jansen came against the Washington Nationals in Game 5 of the 2016 NL Division Series.
Jansen was used during the middle innings and threw 51 pitches en route to recording seven outs. Kershaw then was called on for the save that sent the Dodgers into the NL Championship Series.
Jansen welcomed by Dodgers fans in Dodger Stadium return
Just like with Freddie Freeman playing his former team, Jansen was in the same boat earlier this week as the Atlanta Braves played a series at Dodger Stadium.
A pregame ceremony was held for Jansen, who received a standing ovation from Dodgers fans and was presented with a framed photo of his first career save. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, manager Dave Roberts and Justin Turner joined Jansen on the field.
Kershaw was not part of the celebration due to starting the series opener.
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