Kenley Jansen the Favorite to Open the Year as Tigers Closer
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said on the Tiger Territory podcast that he sees relievers Kenley Jansen, Will Vest, and Kyle Finnegan all getting save opportunities in 2026, but he named Jansen as the favorite for most of the closing work since he is 24 saves from reaching the 500-save mark for his career. The 38-year-old veteran was signed to a one-year, $9 million deal in free agency after posting a 2.59 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 29 saves for the Los Angeles Angels in 2025. Hinch said he's not afraid to use any of his three high-leverage relief arms earlier in the game, if necessary, and he's also not opposed to changing up the save hierarchy at any point if it makes sense. Jansen's strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 24.4% last year, and although he was still effective, he has less room for error going forward and will most likely be on a short leash in Detroit. Jansen is ranked as the No. 15 fantasy closer at RotoBaller.
Source: Tiger Territory
Source: Tiger Territory
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