ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — In an effort to enhance their team performance, the Los Angeles Angels have secured the services of two experienced players through significant contract agreements. The Angels recently inked a $10 million, one-year deal with seasoned right-handed pitcher Kenley Jansen and a $5 million, one-year pact with veteran infielder Yoán Moncada.
Jansen, a 37-year-old closer, had been with the Boston Red Sox for the past two seasons following a notable 12-year stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now joining the Angels for what will mark his 16th season in the major leagues, Jansen’s arrival is expected to fortify the team’s bullpen. With the departure of former All-Star closer Carlos Estévez to Philadelphia last summer, it appears likely that Jansen will take on the closer role, allowing hard-throwing reliever Ben Joyce to continue in a setup capacity.
Returning to the Los Angeles region, where he remains a beloved figure, Jansen began his professional baseball career with the Dodgers after being signed as an undrafted free agent from Curacao. Throughout his time with the Dodgers, Jansen clinched a World Series title, led the National League in saves twice, and secured three of his four All-Star selections. Despite his impressive track record, the Dodgers ultimately allowed Jansen to depart as a free agent in 2022, leading him to sign with Atlanta.
Known for his reliable pitch repertoire centered on his renowned cutter, Jansen holds the distinction of being the current active career leader in both appearances (871) and saves (447) across Major League Baseball. His consistency is highlighted by achieving at least 25 saves in each of the past 12 seasons. During his tenure with the Red Sox last year, Jansen notched 27 saves out of 31 opportunities while registering 62 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings.
Jansen’s addition is part of the Angels’ broader strategy to revamp their roster following a challenging season. Alongside Jansen, the team has also brought on board other seasoned players, including starting pitchers Yusei Kikuchi and Kyle Hendricks, catcher Travis d’Arnaud, outfielder Jorge Soler, and third baseman Yoán Moncada.
Moncada, hailing from Cuba, made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 2016 before spending eight seasons with the Chicago White Sox. Throughout his career, he has maintained a batting average of .254 while hitting 93 home runs and accumulating 339 RBIs.
To accommodate Jansen and Moncada on the 40-man roster, the Angels placed infielder Anthony Rendon, dealing with a left hip impingement, and right-hander Robert Stephenson, recovering from elbow surgery, on the 60-day injured list.
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