The Los Angeles Angels’ veteran closer Kenley Jansen is closing in on a historic career milestone, aiming to join the exclusive group of pitchers with 500 saves. With two months remaining in the season, Jansen has recorded 20 saves in Anaheim and needs just 11 more to tie Hall of Famer Lee Smith for third on the all-time saves list.
Jansen’s pursuit of the Kenley Jansen saves milestone places him among the game’s most elite relievers, nearing a rare achievement previously reached only by Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman.
The Path to the 500 Saves Club
Since joining the Angels this season, Jansen, a four-time All-Star, has steadily added to his career save total. At 37 years old, he is approaching a rare milestone that represents sustained excellence as a closer in Major League Baseball. Currently with 478 career saves, Jansen is just behind Lee Smith, the Hall of Famer who occupies the third position all-time.
Ahead of him and part of this elite group are Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman, two of the greatest closers in history who both surpassed the 500-save mark. If Jansen reaches this threshold, he will solidify his legacy among the sport’s very best.
Recent Performance Highlights
July was a remarkable month for Jansen, who earned his third Reliever of the Month award after dominating in the American League. He pitched 11.1 innings without yielding a run, converted all five save opportunities, and remained undefeated in his decisions.
This streak included closing three consecutive games from July 27 to 29, a feat last achieved by Angel Huston Street in 2016. Jansen’s consistency was also reflected in his ability to pitch 11 or more games without allowing a run or a walk, matching a performance put up by Fernando Salas in 2014.
Jansen’s 20th save of the season on July 29 against Texas placed him among a rare group of pitchers with at least 20 saves in 13 or more seasons, joining Lee Smith, Trevor Hoffman, and Mariano Rivera.
Balancing Team Struggles with Personal Goals
Despite Jansen’s strong individual showings, the Angels have faced challenges this season, holding a 12-14 record in July and struggling to maintain postseason hopes. This situation is unusual for Jansen, who has been accustomed to playing on teams contending for championships during his time with the Dodgers and Braves.
Jansen reflected on this shift in mindset during a recent interview:
I definitely start to think about it now that I’m close to 500 (saves), I think it’s something special. Why not? I’m definitely going to work hard for it.
—Kenley Jansen, Pitcher
He added,
My Dodger days, Braves, now here — you’re all thinking about winning, winning, winning, winning, and you get those saves; it comes with it. Now that I’m here I think it’s special. I hear more people talk about (milestones) now. It makes me be more dedicated, to get to such a milestone like that.
—Kenley Jansen, Pitcher
While the team’s weaker position reduces the possibility of postseason play, it has intensified Jansen’s focus on personal career achievements, placing the saves milestone as his primary goal moving forward.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Although Jansen remains uncertain about his future with the Angels—stating in an interview with the Orange County Register, “I can’t predict”—he has already left a mark on the franchise. He is the first Angels reliever since Fernando Salas to pitch over 11 games in a month without allowing a run or walk, demonstrating his elite bullpen presence.
Jansen’s tenure in Anaheim has revived the franchise’s tradition of hosting major career milestones at Angel Stadium, joining legends like Reggie Jackson and Albert Pujols. His consistency and professionalism continue to resonate throughout the clubhouse and fanbase alike.
As the season winds down, the baseball community will watch closely to see if Kenley Jansen can achieve this historic saves milestone, further cementing his status among the all-time great closers in Major League Baseball history.