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Former Dodger Kenley Jansen Climbs All-Time Saves List
TL;DR
Kenley Jansen, former Dodgers closer, has climbed to third place in MLB's all-time saves list with 479 saves after his latest game with the Detroit Tigers. He is now 21 saves away from joining the 500 saves club, trailing only Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman.
Apr 14, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) celebrate after defeating the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesApr 14, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) celebrate after defeating the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Former Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen rose to third in MLB’s all-time saves ranking after recording his 479th save Tuesday.
Jansen, now with the Detroit Tigers, has three saves this season, and now only sits behind Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera (651) and Trevor Hoffman (602) in the all-time list. Prior to his most recent save, he sat tied with Hall of Famer Lee Smith for third place in the list.
With his save Tuesday, he puts himself just 21 saves from reaching the exclusive 500 saves club.
Apr 14, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) celebrate after defeating the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
When Did Kenley Jansen Play for the Dodgers?
Jansen began his career with the Dodgers, though not as a pitcher. Jansen began his career as a catcher in the Dodgers’ organization, but transitioned to pitching in 2009.
He made his debut for the Dodgers in 2010, remaining there through the 2021 season.
The right-hander made 701 appearances for LA across his 12 years with them in MLB, posting a 2.37 ERA and striking out 1,022 batters through 705 innings pitched. 350 of his 479 saves came with the Dodgers, and he made three All-Star appearances with the team. Jansen also won the 2020 World Series while with the Dodgers.
He won the National League reliever of the year award in 2016 and 2017, posting a sub-2.00 ERA, 100 strikeouts and more than 40 saves in both of those seasons.
After the 2021 season ended, Jansen elected free agency.
Who Else Has Kenley Jansen Played For?
Jansen signed with the Atlanta Braves in free agency that offseason, and promptly has one of his better seasons as far as save totals are concerned.
He led the National League with 41 saves in 2022, posting a 3.38 ERA in his first season away from Los Angeles. Jansen swapped teams once again following the 2022 season, and signed a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox.
The 38-year-old had two solid seasons in Boston, making his most recent All-Star Team in 2023 and keeping a 3.44 ERA with 56 saves across two seasons.
He remained in the American League in 2025 and had a 2.59 ERA with the Los Angeles Angels, recording 29 saves before heading to Motor City.
Do you want Kenley Jansen to retire as a Dodger?
Q&A
How many saves does Kenley Jansen have in his career?
Kenley Jansen has recorded 479 saves in his career.
Who are the top two players ahead of Kenley Jansen in all-time saves?
The top two players ahead of Kenley Jansen are Mariano Rivera with 651 saves and Trevor Hoffman with 602 saves.
What milestone is Kenley Jansen approaching in his career?
Kenley Jansen is approaching the milestone of 500 career saves, needing just 21 more saves to reach it.
Which team is Kenley Jansen currently playing for?
Kenley Jansen is currently playing for the Detroit Tigers.
