Kenley Jansen
Kenley Jansen is an experienced, accomplished reliever. The 37-year-old will be entering his 16th season in the majors. He was one of the most consistent closers during 10 of his 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The right-hander has eight seasons with 30+ saves — four of those he finished with over 40. Jansen's most recent season with over 40 saves was only back in 2022. He compiled 41 in his lone season with the Atlanta Braves.
Over the last two years, while with the Boston Red Sox, Jansen remained an effective closer, finishing 13th among relievers in saves with 29 in 2023. Last year, he finished 12th with 27 saves. The closer proved he was still effective late in games.
Jansen has a career 2.57 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. He has saved 447 games out of 507 opportunities in the regular season. His 447 saves is fourth-best all-time among relievers. There isn't much reason for the Phillies not to sign him, especially if they can agree on a short-term deal.
Jansen also has a lengthy resumé as a reliable closer in the playoffs. He has appeared in 10 postseasons, nine of them with the Dodgers. The Willemstad, Curacao native has successfully saved 20 of 24 playoff opportunities, with a career 2.20 ERA and 0.80 WHIP. According to Baseball Savant, Jansen primarily relies on throwing a cutter. He also uses a slider and sinker in his pitching arsenal.
Romano is currently the Phillies' only proven closer, but he is coming off an injury-riddled 2024 season. Philadelphia should commit to one reliever as their closer rather than relying on a committee of pitchers to save games as they did last year. Alvarado and Strahm are ideal in the middle innings or a setup role. Kerkering could see more work in a setup role this year. It is unknown if the Phillies will use him often to save games.
If Philly signed Jansen, it would provide more competition for the ninth-inning role. The addition would also deepen their bullpen with a successful, seasoned reliever who won a World Series with the Dodgers in 2020. He is a good complement to Romano if the former Blue Jays closer misses time again with injuries for a second consecutive year.
If Jansen prefers to sign with a contender, the Phillies are that. They have been trying to win a championship for the last three years, and will again look to win the Fall Classic in 2025 as the window is gradually closing.