After converting 25 of 32 save opportunities in 2012, Kenley Jansen was the answer for the Los Angeles Dodgers as closer when Brandon League struggled through the 2013 season. From that point forward Jansen has anchored the bullpen.
Jansen has been particularly dominant the past two seasons, often serving as one of the few bright spots in a bullpen that’s struggled with consistency. In June he surpassed Eric Gagne’s record for most saves in franchise history.
But for all his dominance, an All-Star Game bid eluded the hard-throwing right-hander. That changed this season when Jansen, along with Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager, was named to the National League roster.
While Jansen’s first All-Star appearance was well deserved and a bright spot, he was named to the list of most overrated players, put together by Dave Schoenfield of ESPN:
I feel bad about this one. His numbers are so dominant, with a 1.27 ERA, 67 strikeouts and just seven walks in 49 innings. But he has somehow managed to blow five saves, and the Dodgers lost four of those games. He had two blown saves last year but five in 2014. His save percentage just isn’t anything special.
Schoenfield selected one player from all 30 teams to dub overrated. His list includes Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, and Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins.
Jansen allowed three runs in Wednesday’s loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, and now owns a 1.81 ERA and 0.70 WHIP. His 34 saves remains tied with Baltimore’s Zach Britton for second-most in the Majors.
Jansen’s five blown saves match a career high, set in 2014. He nonetheless is expected to receive a lucrative contract as a free agent this winter, with some speculating Jansen may sign a five-year deal.
