Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) address the rumors about the possibility of him reuniting with the Dodgers. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Former Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen comments on possible reunion

By Matthew Brown | Last updated 10/24/22

With Craig Kimbrel becoming a free agent and unlikely to resign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team has a vacancy in the closer role and will look to fill it this winter. They might look for help from an old friend, Kenley Jansen.

Jansen was stopped by a TMZ reporter at LAX on Sunday and was asked about a possible reunion with the Dodgers.

“Hey, we'll see," he said. “We'll see what's out there.”

Jansen couldn’t say much on the topic since he is technically linked with the Atlanta Braves because the World Series has not ended. He also said it will come down to whatever is the best decision for his family.

Jansen spent the first 12 years of his major league career with the Dodgers before signing a one-year contract with the Braves. In 701 appearances with the Los Angeles, Jansen had an ERA of 2.37 with over 1,000 strikeouts and is the Dodgers all-time saves leader (350).

For most of the 2010s, Jansen was considered one of the most dominant closers in the game. While his season with Atlanta wasn’t one of his best, it wasn’t terrible. In 65 games this year, Jansen had a 3.38 ERA with 85 strikeouts.

Jansen lives in Los Angeles so a reunion doesn’t seem too far-fetched, especially with the familiarity. However, Jansen told TMZ he had a fun experience playing for his favorite team growing up.

“I can tell you all great things about Atlanta,” Jansen said. “Atlanta is awesome. The fans, the people, the organization. I had a great time there, and we had a great season.”

More must-reads: