Overview
- Jansen recorded save No. 479 in Detroit’s 2-1 win over Kansas City on Tuesday, moving past Hall of Famer Lee Smith into third on the all-time list.
- In the ninth, a leadoff single and stolen base put the tying run on second before he induced a Vinnie Pasquantino grounder and a Starling Marte flyout to finish it.
- His cutter reached 96.8 mph, the fastest pitch he has thrown since 2024, signaling a notable jump in velocity this season.
- Signed to a one-year, $9 million deal with a $12 million 2027 club option, he has opened 2026 as Detroit’s primary closer with three saves.
- A converted catcher from Curaçao who debuted as a reliever in 2010, he now trails only Mariano Rivera (652) and Trevor Hoffman (601) on the career saves list.