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Kenley Jansen Joins Tigers, Embraces Flexible Late-Inning Role Under A.J. Hinch

The four-time All-Star said Detroit's culture under A.J. Hinch drew him to a deal that prioritizes winning over save totals.

Overview

  • Jansen, 38, was introduced after signing a contract reported as roughly $11 million in guaranteed value, with coverage differing between a straight one-year pact and a $9 million deal for 2026 with a 2027 club option and a $2 million buyout.
  • He said he is comfortable pitching whenever Hinch calls his number rather than insisting on the ninth inning, framing his role as team-first.
  • Detroit expects to deploy a flexible late-inning mix, with Will Vest and Kyle Finnegan positioned for high-leverage setup and fireman situations.
  • Jansen sits fourth on the all-time saves list with 476 and acknowledged the chase for 500 while reiterating that winning is his priority.
  • He arrives from the Angels after a 2025 season with a 2.59 ERA, 0.949 WHIP, 57 strikeouts and 29 saves over 59.0 innings, entering his 17th MLB season.