The Los Angeles Angels had one of the hottest starts to the 2025 season, which came as a surprise to many. That included matching their best start to a season in franchise history behind help from former Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen.
The Angels are currently in possession of a winning record and in position to make a run for a Wild Card spot in the American League, and while the season is still extremely young, it is a welcome change for a franchise that has floundered for around a decade.
Jansen is among those responsible for getting the Angels moving in the right direction this season, with seven scoreless innings and converting on all five of his save opportunities.
While this year is a fourth season since Jansen and the Dodgers parted ways, his time in L.A. was nothing short of memorable. Jansen cemented himself as an all-time Dodgers great during his 12 seasons with the team, including becoming the franchise’s saves leader among other accomplishments.
Jansen still feels the love from the fanbase of his old team on a daily basis now that he is back in Southern California with the Angels after three seasons on the East Coast. He’s begun to build a similar rapport with the fans of his new team, and being able to represent both the Dodgers and Angels is something Jansen takes great pride in, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“Dodger fans have been great forever,” he said. “Every time I’m walking down the street in L.A., all these great Dodgers fans keep giving me a fist bump. They show love, and how much they care.
“Now, I’m getting all the Angels fans too. I feel like I’m a complete package now. All the Angels fans are so excited that I’m wearing the Angels uniform. I’m a complete L.A. guy. I get to play for both teams now. It’s something special.”
Jansen has proven himself not only as an all-time Dodger, but as one of the best closers in MLB history over his 16-year career. He is one of only eight relievers in MLB history to reach 400 career saves and is currently fourth all-time.
The Dodgers and Angels are scheduled to face off at Dodger Stadium for the first leg of the Freeway Series on May 16.
Kenley Jansen on all-time saves leaderboard
With only 26 saves separating Jansen from third place, it’s a very real possibility he passes Lee Smith with a strong 2025 season. But that also hinges on the Angels continuing to play well in order to give him enough save opportunities.
The most saves Jansen collected in a single season was 47 with the Dodgers in 2016, and he converted 27 with the Boston Red Sox last season.
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