Kenley Jansen is a Curaçaoan based professional baseball pitcher; he is a free agent. Previously, he played with Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 2004, Kenley as an undrafted free agent, was signed by the Dodgers, and during his minor leagues, Kenley converted from a catcher to a relief pitcher. In 2010, he made his debut in the major league. Since 2012, he served as the Dodgers’ closer; in 2017, he led the National League (NL) in saves. After around 11 years in the major leagues with the Dodgers, Kenley entered free agency by signing a one-year deal with the Braves.
Kenley is a 3-time MLB All-Star and 2-time NL Reliever of the Year (2016 and 2017). In addition, Kenley became the 30th pitcher to reach 300 plus career saves (2019).
Red Sox sign Jansen For 2-year Deal to $32 Million
Sources told ESPN that Kenley Jansen (35) and the Boston Red Sox agreed on a 2-year contract worth $32 million. Kenley has spent 2022 with the Atlanta Braves after several seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 64 innings with the Atlanta Braves, Kenley struck out 85 batters, walked 22, and recorded a 3.38 ERA. Throughout his career, Kenley has a 2.46 ERA and 1,107 strikeouts in 769 innings. He is one of the most dominant closers.
Boston Red Sox has already added right-hander Chris Martin by signing him with a two-year contract worth $17.5 million.
Boston’s bullpen, with Kenley, Chris, and right-hander John Schreiber, could be imposing as the team.
The Red Sox has also lost out on several free-agent targets, including left-hander Tyler Anderson, right-hander Zach Eflin, left-hander Andrew Heaney, and right-hander Tommy Kahnle.
According to sources, the Red Sox continue to spot shortstop Xander Bogaerts as others pursue him after he opted out of the final 3 years of his contract. Xander, with whom Kenley played in the World Baseball Classic on team Netherlands. Xander is expected to command a contract worth $200 million as he became a free agent for the 1st time in his 10-year career.
With the Kenley deal, the Red Sox currently projects a payroll of around $175 million. They are likely, sources said, to sign several free agents as they have to fill the roster, which is currently lacking a shortstop and starting-pitching depth.
Kenley Jansen Early Life:
Full Real Name | Kenley Geronimo Jansen |
Family Name | Jansen |
Profession | Baseball player |
Date Of Birth | September 30th, 1987 |
Age | 35 years old |
Birthday | September 30th |
Year Of Birth | 1987 |
Nick Name | Kenley |
Current Residence | N/A |
Country | Curaçao |
Nationality | Curaçaoan |
Ethnicity | African-Curaçaoan |
Religion | Christianity |
Kenley was born on 30th September 1987, in Willemstad, Curaçao. When Kenley was 6, he began playing baseball alongside his brothers. Kenley grew up as a Braves fan, as the team’s matches were broadcast on TBS in Curaçao. Later, the team signed his elder older brother Ardley.
At age 12, Kenley suffered a stroke; he still suffers from irregular heartbeats after treatments and surgery.
Kenley throws right-handed, but he writes with his left hand.
Kenley spends most off-season breaks in Curaçao with his family.
Kenley Jansen Family Background:
Father | Isidor Jansen |
Mother | Bernadette Jansen |
Brothers | Ardley and Verney |
Sisters | None |
Kenley is born to Isidor and Bernadette Jansen. His mother is a travel agent, and his father used to work in the construction line. Kenley has 2 elder brothers named Ardley and Verney.
Kenley Jansen Education:
Highest Qualification | N/A |
University | N/A |
High School | N/A |
Kenley’s educational information is unavailable.
Kenley Jansen Physical stats:
Weight In Kg | 110kg |
Height In Feet | 6 ft 4 in |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Dark brown |
Kenley stands 6 ft 4 in tall and weighs around 110kg. He has curly black hair and dark brown eyes; he always keeps a beard.
Kenley Jansen Birth Signs:
Sun Sign | Libra |
Star Sign | Libra |
Birth Sign Duality | Assertive |
Birth Sign Modality | Cardinal |
According to Kenley’s birthdate, he comes under the zodiac Libra. He is 35 years old. Further, his birth flower is Morning glory, and his birth element is Air.
Kenley Jansen Net worth:
Net Worth | $16 million |
Kenley’s estimated networth should be around $16 million. His latest contract is with the Boston Red Sox for 2 years, worth $32 million. Kenley has spent several seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and 2022 with the Atlanta Braves.
Kenley Jansen Relationship Status:
Spouse Name | Gianni Jansen Fransisca |
Sons | Kaden Isaiah and Kyrian Jeremiah |
Daughters | Natalia Hannah and Key’Gia Keziah |
No Of Children | 4 |
Marital Status | married |
Kenley is married to Gianni Jansen – Fransisca, a Curaçao native. The couple has two daughters, Natalia Hannah (born on 16th March 2013) and Key’Gia Keziah (born on 12th September 2021), and two sons, Kaden Isaiah (born on 16th August 2015) and Kyrian Jeremiah (born on 22nd August 2018).
Kenley Jansen Career:
Minor leagues:
On 17th November 2004, Kenley was signed by the Dodgers organization as an undrafted free agent catcher. He then played with the Rookie Class Gulf Coast Dodgers, where Kenley hit .304 in 37 games. Further, on 26th August, he was promoted to the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League. For Ogden, Kenley had 2 hits in 11 at-bats in 3 games; the following season, he was back with the Gulf Coast team, playing 35 games with .245. Kenley then played in the Hawaii Winter Baseball League for the North Shore Honu, scoring .121 in 9 games. The year 2007 was split between the Raptors and the Great Lakes Loons of the Midwest League, where Kenley recorded .207 in 73 games. Following the season, he played for the West Oahu CaneFires in Hawaii Winter Baseball. In 2008 after scoring hit .227 and 9 home runs (79 games), Kenley was selected to the mid-season Midwest League All-Star game.
The following year, Kenley was the Netherlands team’s starting catcher in the World Baseball Classic. Further, he began the 2009 season with the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino, hitting .202 in 38 games. Kenley then appeared in 8 games for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes and scored just 5 hits in 27 at-bats.
After his bad scores as a catcher, Kenley switched to pitching, and at Inland Empire, he converted in the second half of the 2009 season. Kenley pitched around 12 innings for the 66ers, allowing 6 earned runs. He played as a pitcher for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League.
On 19th November 2009, Kenley was added to the Dodger’s 40-man roster, and he started with Inland Empire, allowing only 5 runs in 18 innings and striking out 28 batters. On 15th May 2010, Kenley was promoted to the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts and was selected to the mid-season Southern League All-Star Game. In 22 games for the Lookouts, he pitched 27 innings with a 1.67 ERA.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
On 23rd July 2010, he was promoted to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Kenley made his Major League debut in relief on 24th July against the New York Mets. On 25th July, he recorded his 1st Major League save against the Mets. On 26th August, Kenley scored a run in his 1st Major League plate appearance in Milwaukee against Yovani Gallardo at Miller Park. Further, on 31st August at Dodger Stadium, he collected his 1st major league hit.
On 11th September, Kenley recorded his 1st win against the Houston Astros in Minute Maid Park. During the 2010 season, Kenley appeared in 25 games with the Dodgers, working 27 innings with a 1–0 record, a 0.67 ERA, and saving four games.
In 2011, Kenley became a main member of the Dodgers. He recorded 2–1, a 2.85 ERA in around 54 innings, and saved 5 games; in addition, he struck out 96 batters, marking a new Major League season record with around 17 strikeouts per 9 innings.
In May 2012, after Javy Guerra struggled, Kenley became the Dodgers’ closer. At the end of the season, Kenley was replaced as a closer by Brandon League; he appeared in 65 games, accumulating a 5–3 record, 99 strikeouts, 2.35 ERA, and 25 saves.
Further, Kenley appeared in 75 games in the 2013 season; he scored a 4–3 record and 1.88 ERA, including 28 saves. In addition, he did not allow any runs in 3 appearances against the Atlanta Braves in the 2013 National League Division Series. Still, Kenley was less effective against the Cardinals in the Championship Series (NLCS), allowing 2 runs in 2 innings.
On 11th February 2014, Kenley signed a contract worth $4.3 million with the Dodgers. In 2014, he worked in 68 games with 101 strikeouts, 2.76 ERA, and 44 saves. He became just the 4th Dodger pitcher with 40+ saves in a season and the only one who pitched 1 inning in the NLDS.
On 16th January 2015, he signed a one-year contract worth $7.425 million with the Dodgers. On 17th February, he underwent surgery and was out of action until May. On 15th May, Kenley rejoined the Dodgers roster, and in his first 14 games of the season, he struck out 23 batters without giving up a single walk. In the 2015 season, he made 54 appearances with a 2.41 ERA and 36 saves. In addition, Kenley struck out 80 batters while walking 8 all season. He also appeared in 3 games, with 2 saves in the 2015 NLDS, and didnt allow a run in around 4 innings. On 15th January 2016, he signed a one-year contract worth $10.65 million with the Dodgers.
On 20th June 2016, Kenley picked up his 162nd career save, breaking the all-time franchise record. Further, in 2016 he was selected for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game to the National League team; it was his first all-star selection. In 71 games, Kenley was 3–2 with 47 saves and a 1.83 ERA; his performance earned him the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award.
In the 2016 NLDS, he pitched in 4 games, allowing 4 runs and saving 2 games. Then in the 2016 NLCS, he pitched around 7 innings over 3 games, with 1 save, and struck out 10 while only allowing 1 hit.
In January 2017, the Dodgers re-signed Kenley to a five-year contract worth $80 million. On 11th June, he recorded his 200th career save. On 2nd June 2017, he recorded his 36th strikeout of the season. Kenley was named to his 2nd straight All-Star Game. In 2017, he pitched 65 games for the Dodgers, with 5 wins, a 1.32 ERA, 109 strikeouts, and 41 saves. For the 2nd straight year, Kenley was awarded the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award. In the 2017 NLDS, Kenley pitched around 9 innings over 6 games, with 2 saves and 3 runs allowed in 7 games.
After some injury during spring training, Kenley turned in May, June, and July and was selected in 2018 for his 3rd straight all-star game. Further, in Colorado, due to his heart problems resurfaced during a 4-game set, and he was placed on the 10-day disabled list. After returning, he struggled for the rest of the season and finished scoring a 1–5 record, 3.01 ERA, and 38 saves.
On 7th April 2019, Kenley recorded a 4-out save against the Colorado Rockies. On 15th June 2019, he debuted the intentional balk in the top of the 9th against the Chicago Cubs. In 62 games, he scored a 5–3 record and 33 saves, and a career-high ERA of 3.71. In the 2019 NLDS, Kenley pitched to 5 batters and did not allow any player to reach base.
After the pandemic-imposed shutdown, Kenley was reported late to camp as he suffered from COVID-19 infection. During the season, he appeared in 24.1 innings over 27 games, scoring a 3–1 record and a 3.33 ERA with 11 saves, and led the National League with 24 games finished.
In 2020, in Game 4 of the World Series, Kenley blew his 4th career World Series save, and set a new World Series record.
On 25th August, Kenley became the 12th reliever in MLB history after recording 1,000 strikeouts. He finished the 2021 season with a 2.22 ERA, 38 saves, and 86 strikeouts in 69 innings. In the 2021 NLCS, Kenley pitched in 5 of the 6 games, allowing 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6.
Atlanta Braves:
On 18th March 2022, Kenley signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves worth $16 million. He made his debut on 8th April with the Braves.
Kenley Jansen Social Appearance:
On Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, Kenley has around 260K, 78K, and 118K followers, respectively. He regularly posts on his accounts to keep his fans updated. Kenley has a variety of posts from his personal and professional life.