The Atlanta Braves have signed three-time All-Star closer Kenley Jansen to a one-year, $16-million contract, the team announced Friday.
The 34-year-old right-hander has spent his entire 12-year career thus far with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jansen has twice won the NL Reliever of the Year Award, named after Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman. Originally signed as an undrafted catcher, the Dodgers eventually transitioned Jansen to reliever, and he earned a promotion to the majors during the 2010 season.
Since then, he has become one of the league's best closers, posting a 2.37 ERA and 2.37 FIP over 701 appearances and notching 350 saves. Jansen ranks second among all relievers in saves dating back to 2010 - behind only Craig Kimbrel - but he sits first in WAR, according to FanGraphs.
The reigning champion Braves have made a handful of moves to improve the roster this winter, including adding righty reliever Collin McHugh on a two-year, $15-million deal. Aside from McHugh, Jansen will likely lead the back end of a bullpen that also includes Luke Jackson as well as lefties Will Smith and Tyler Matzek.
Earlier this week, the Dodgers signed former Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman on a six-year, $162-million contract. Intriguingly, the two teams will face each other early in the season in Los Angeles, with a three-game set beginning April 18.
