Tigers Sign Kenley Jansen to One-Year, $9M Deal

The Detroit Tigers finalized a one-year contract with veteran closer Kenley Jansen on Wednesday, adding experienced relief pitching to their bullpen ahead of the 2026 season.

Jansen, a 38-year-old right-hander, agreed to a $9 million salary for next year, with the Tigers holding a $12 million club option for 2027 and a $2 million buyout. The deal brings the fourth all-time leader in saves to Detroit, where he is expected to handle high-leverage situations late in games. A four-time All-Star and two-time National League Reliever of the Year, Jansen trails only Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman and Lee Smith on the career saves list with 476.

In 2025, Jansen posted a 5-4 record with a 2.59 ERA and 0.949 WHIP over 59 innings with the Los Angeles Angels, striking out 57 batters while securing 29 saves in 30 opportunities across 62 appearances. His performance marked a strong rebound, building on a career that includes 25 or more saves in each of the previous 13 full seasons and a league-leading 41 saves in 2022 with Atlanta. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound pitcher has appeared in 933 games, the most among active players, and has contributed to 10 postseason teams, including the...