MLB Free Agency: Tigers Sign 4-Time All-Star for Pitching Staff

The Detroit Tigers are intent to maintain a strong bullpen going into 2026, and have made their second signing of a closer this week. Future Hall of Famer Kenley Jansen has agreed to a one-year deal to head to the Motor City.

Tigers, RHP Kenley Jansen agree to 1-year deal, per multiple reports including MLB's @Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/7YNmgBFcFX
— MLB (@MLB) December 13, 2025

It's a one-year, $11 million contract for Jansen, which is a $1M raise from the deal he signed last year with the Los Angeles Angels.

Jansen is just two saves shy of 3rd on the all-time list

Jansen, 38, is the major league's active leader in saves, with 476, which places him 4th all-time, and just two saves shy of Lee Smith for third on the all-time list.

His consistency is off the charts: He has recorded at least 25 saves in 13 consecutive full-length seasons. This past year, with the Angels, he notched another 29 saves with a 2.59 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. After a slow start, from May 3rd onwards, he posted a 1.97 ERA, while holding opposing batters to a .148 batting average through the end of the season.

Jansen joins Kyle Finnegan, who was also re-signed in free agency as a co-closer/setup man earlier this week. The two of them plus Will Vest will get the bulk of the Tigers' save opportunities, and provide manager AJ Hinch with plenty of late-game options.

This will be Jansen's fifth team in six years, and he just continues to chug along, ready to close out games for whoever gives him a chance.