Kenley Jansen's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kenley Jansen.

Kenley Jansen is a professional baseball pitcher from Curaçao, currently playing for the Detroit Tigers in MLB. He has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Angels. Jansen has represented the Netherlands in international baseball competitions. Known for his cutter, he has been one of the more dominant closers in MLB.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1991: Broke Jay Howell's Records

In 2015, Kenley Jansen broke Jay Howell's team records, set in 1991, of 13 games without a walk to start a season and 20 strikeouts without a walk to start a season. Jansen struck out 23 batters in his first 14 games of the season, without giving up a walk

2011: Key Member of Dodgers Bullpen

In 2011, Kenley Jansen became a key member of the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen, achieving a 2–1 record with a 2.85 ERA in 53+2⁄3 innings and saving five games. He also set a new Major League season record with 16+1⁄3 strikeouts per nine innings.

2012: High Strikeout Rate

Through the 2012 season, Kenley Jansen had a very high strikeout rate, garnering 14.6 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched.

2013: Adam Wainwright Strikeouts Record

In 2017, on June 2nd, Kenley Jansen recorded his 36th strikeout of the season, setting an MLB season record for most strikeouts without giving up a walk. The previous record was held by Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright, who struck out 35 batters before giving up a walk in the 2013 season.

2016: Named NL Reliever of the Year

In 2016, Kenley Jansen was named the National League Reliever of the Year.

2017: World Series Appearance and Loss

In 2017, Kenley Jansen finished all three games of the Dodgers' NLDS sweep of the Diamondbacks. He saved two of the games. Jansen allowed two runs to score, including a solo homer by Marwin González in Game Two of the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros. Overall, he pitched 8+2⁄3 innings over six games, with two saves and three runs allowed as the Dodgers lost the series in seven games.

2017: Led National League in Saves

In 2017, Kenley Jansen led the National League in saves.

2017: Named NL Reliever of the Year

In 2017, Kenley Jansen was awarded the National League Reliever of the Year Award for the second straight year. He also set an MLB season record for most strikeouts without giving up a walk with 36 strikeouts

2018: Struggles in the World Series

In 2018, Kenley Jansen was effective against Atlanta and Milwaukee in the postseason, not allowing a run, but struggled in the World Series, blowing two save opportunities as he allowed game-tying home runs to Jackie Bradley Jr. in Game 3 and Steve Pearce in Game 4 as the Dodgers lost the series to the Boston Red Sox in five games.

2018: Third Straight All-Star Game Selection

In 2018, after turning around a shaky April with strong performances in May, June, and July, Kenley Jansen was chosen for his third straight All-Star Game appearance.

2019: Reached 300 Career Saves

In 2019, Kenley Jansen became the 30th pitcher to reach 300 career saves.

2021: 1,000th Strikeout and Postseason Performance

In 2021, Kenley Jansen recorded his 1,000th strikeout against Austin Nola on August 25th. He finished the season with 38 saves and a 2.22 ERA. Jansen also recorded a win in the National League Wild Card Game against the St. Louis Cardinals and pitched in five games of the 2021 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, recording a save in Game 3.

May 10, 2023: Recorded 400th Save

On May 10, 2023, Kenley Jansen became the seventh pitcher in MLB history to record 400 saves.

2023: Totaled 400 Career Saves

In 2023, Kenley Jansen became the 7th pitcher to total 400 career saves.

2024: Passed John Franco on All-Time Saves List

In 2024, Kenley Jansen began the season as Boston's closer and on April 20th, he earned his 425th career save, surpassing John Franco for fifth place on the major-league all-time list. He finished the 2024 season with 27 saves, a 3.29 ERA, and 62 strikeouts.