Kenley Jansen Reveals How He Really Feels About Joining Detroit Tigers
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Once news erupted that veteran closer Kenley Jansen would be signing with the Detroit Tigers, eyebrows were raised at the 38-year-old's $9 million salary with a $12 million club option for 2027.
Jansen has been in the game for a substantial amount of time, having made his debut in July of 2010. The bulk of his professional career was spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he logged a 2.37 ERA in 705.0 innings pitched, with 1,022 strikeouts across 701 games in a 12-year period.
After the 2021 season, he signed with the Atlanta Braves for one year, followed by two years with the Boston Red Sox. His 2025 campaign was spent back in California, but this time, with the Los Angeles Angels. This past year, he recorded a 2.59 ERA across 59.0 innings pitched, while striking out 57 batters through 62 games.
He is widely known for his shocking number of 476 career saves, which will serve as a major asset to the Tigers. Detroit will be getting a serious arm, but what drew Jansen to the Motor City?
Jansen's "Winning Culture" Mindset
With Jansen's World Series experience and his time around the U.S. map playing for various teams, he has built up a wealth of knowledge in the Major Leagues that will only benefit the Tigers. Interestingly enough, it sounds like he has kept a careful eye on Detroit for quite some time now.
"I've been watching the Tigers the last couple of years closely. The year before, they reached out to me, but I signed with the Angels, and then again this year, the level of interest showed up again...," said Jansen, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. "... I'm excited to get to work. Keep building that winning culture and hopefully bring the ultimate prize to Detroit."
Why did Kenley Jansen want to sign with the #Tigers?
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) December 19, 2025
"I heard how A.J. (Hinch) changed the whole culture to now a winning culture. I want to be a part of that to finish what they started. I want to be a part of a good story. Tiger fans need it, and I'm excited to get to work." pic.twitter.com/ohQZIiwf3L
The Tigers were eliminated from the AL Division Series this year after being handed a loss by the Cleveland Guardians, but Detroit is looking to push past the ALDS next year — a place they can't seem to move beyond. However, with a player as experienced and motivated as Jansen, 2026 could be their season.
Jansen is looking to help boost Detroit's winning culture next season, and it wouldn't be far-fetched to confidently say that he has what it takes. He is looking to win, and that's the energy that the Tigers need after coming up short in recent years.
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Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline or spending time with family