Jansen Aims for 500 Saves Despite Slow Start with Angels

LOS ANGELES, California — Kenley Jansen, a former Boston Red Sox player, is not ready to retire. The 37-year-old pitcher signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels this offseason. Despite his age, Jansen plans to continue playing for another three to four years, showcasing his ambition to extend his career into his 40s.

Jansen returned to Fenway Park recently to face his former team in a three-game series. He spoke to reporters about his future in the game. “The plan is to play for another three to four years,” Jansen told them. With 458 career saves, he stands fourth on Major League Baseball’s all-time saves leaderboard, trailing Hall of Famers Lee Smith, Trevor Hoffman, and Mariano Rivera.

While it may be unlikely for him to reach Rivera’s record of 652 saves, Jansen aims to enhance his already impressive resume as he prepares for potential induction into the Hall of Fame. In 2023, during his last All-Star season, Jansen had a conversation with Craig Kimbrel, who ranks fifth in saves with 440. The two spoke at T-Mobile Park, with Kimbrel representing the National League as a Philadelphia Phillies player.

“I told him, we’re not stopping here,” Jansen recalled. “We’re going to 500 saves.” Last season, with the Red Sox, he made 54 appearances, recording 27 saves and a 3.29 ERA over 54 2/3 innings, striking out 62 batters. However, his start in 2025 with the Angels has been challenging. So far, he has a 4.91 ERA with 12 saves in 20 games.

As Jansen looks to achieve his goals, his journey continues in the competitive world of baseball.