Dodgers Legend Joins Elite Company with Huge Performance

He's one of the best ever at his position.

Former Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen joined an exclusive club this week. Following Boston's win over Atlanta on Wednesday, Jansen, who recorded the save, became just the seventh player in MLB history to record 400 saves in their career. The others? Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith, Francisco Rodríguez, John Franco and Billy Wagner — how's that for good company?

Kenley Jansen becomes just the seventh player ever to record 400 saves! pic.twitter.com/pCILRMoyog

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 11, 2023

While Jansen has spent the last two seasons away from the Dodgers, a majority of those saves came with Los Angeles.

Jansen, who signed with the Dodgers as an undrafted catcher in 2004, transitioned to the bullpen in 2009 as the Dodgers told him he wouldn't have a future in the MLB as a catcher. That ended up being the best decision of his life.

Jansen quickly transformed into a great reliever, even earning a call-up early in the 2010 season. By 2011, he was a key member of the Dodgers bullpen, and in 2012, he became the closer.

Jansen would hold that role for the next 10 seasons, accomplishing just about everything during his 12-year career with the Dodgers.

He finished with an incredible 350 saves, three All-Star appearances and a World Series championship, before moving onto the Braves and now Red Sox.

Jansen's 400th career save came in an inning that saw him throw his three hardest pitches since 2016. He threw one for 98.7 mph, one for 98.5 mph and another for 98.4 mph.

Kenley Jansen's three fastest pitches tonight (98.7 MPH, 98.5 MPH, 98.4 MPH) were the hardest he's thrown since 2016

(h/t @SlangsOnSports) pic.twitter.com/MYame5OBdL

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 11, 2023

Clearly, Jansen was juiced up for that final inning. He knew what was at stake, and was able to turn back the clock to get it done.

Jansen has been dominant all year long for the Red Sox, looking like the All-Star closer he was for the Dodgers for so many years. He's officially in the exclusive 400-save club, but definitely has a lot more in him over the next few seasons in Boston.

Congrats to a Dodger legend on such an incredible accomplishment!