The Philadelphia Phillies are making waves this offseason, reportedly setting their sights on veteran closer as a key addition to their bullpen. With the departures of Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez in free agency, the Phillies are in need of a reliable late-inning reliever to anchor their pitching staff.
Jansen, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year, has built a Hall of Fame-worthy career, boasting a 2.57 ERA, 477 saves (most among active closers), and an impressive 0.963 WHIP. Despite turning 38 at the end of the 2025 season, Jansen remains a top-tier closer, as evidenced by his 2024 performance with the Boston Red Sox, where he posted a 3.29 ERA and 27 saves.
Kenley Jansen: A Perfect Fit for Philadelphia
Just Baseball’s Leo Morgenstern recently linked Jansen to the Phillies, noting his fit with the team’s bullpen philosophy under President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson.
“After losing Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez to free agency, it’s no secret the Phillies are looking for another back-end reliever this winter, most likely a righty,” Morgenstern explained. “While plenty of fans are hoping for a reunion with Hoffman, Jansen is another realistic target to consider.”
Dombrowski has a track record of acquiring experienced closers like Craig Kimbrel and David Robertson, and Jansen’s reputation as a dependable ninth-inning specialist aligns perfectly with the Phillies’ needs.
Championship Pedigree and Playoff Poise
Jansen’s championship experience and ability to perform under pressure make him an ideal addition for a Phillies team with World Series aspirations. His leadership and proven ability to close out games could stabilize a bullpen that currently relies heavily on Jose Alvarado for late-inning duties.
While Jansen’s age and potential price tag—likely in the range of his recent two-year, $32 million deal—may raise questions, his ability to deliver in critical moments outweighs those concerns. For a team looking to capitalize on its championship window, adding Jansen would provide the Phillies with a true difference-maker in their quest for postseason success.
With the Phillies actively addressing roster needs, the addition of Kenley Jansen could be the final piece to push them over the top in 2025.
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