In an effort to take one more step in 2026, the Detroit Tigers officially announced the signing of veteran closer Kenley Jansen on Wednesday. Jansen’s deal is for the 2026 season with a club option for 2027.
Jansen’s contract is believed to be for $9 million for 2026 and then would bump up to $12 million if picked up for 2027.
Adding Jansen now solidifies the back end of a Tigers bullpen that has mostly operated without a true closer under manager A.J. Hinch. But knowing who to give the ball to with a slim lead in the ninth shouldn’t be a problem anymore.
Kenley Jansen can still get the job done
Jansen, 38, is coming off recording 29 saves during his lone season with the Angels. He also posted a 2.59 ERA with 57 strikeouts, showing he can still be extremely effective at this stage in his career. He has been one of the most consistent shutdown closers in baseball for the better part of the last two decades.