Atlanta Braves add All Star closer Kenley Jansen

There had been a lot of chatter around Kenley Jansen during the offseason. The All Star closer had been linked to numerous teams during free agency and the lockout, something that made perfect sense considering how many teams still needed a solid option for the ninth inning. The Atlanta Braves were not one of those teams, something else that made sense with Will Smith being in place for the ninth inning.

However, that did not stop the Braves from moving in complete silence to get their man. They announced late on Friday that they added Jansen to their bullpen, signing him to a one year deal worth $16 million.

Atlanta Braves improve bullpen with Kenley Jansen

Smith was solid enough as the Braves closer last year, notching 37 saves with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.132 WHiP in his 68 innings. Even though the overall numbers looked good, Smith was still a bit of a tightrope act, someone that would get the final outs despite keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Jansen, in theory, would be an improvement over Smith. He had another typically solid showing last year, nothing 38 saves while posting a 2.22 ERA and a 1.043 WHiP in his 69 innings, striking out 86 batters with 36 walks. It is entirely possible that Jansen will end up as a Hall of Fame closer once his career is said and done.

But he is not exactly someone that should be considered a given any longer. His walk rate has increased every year since 2017, ballooning to 4.7 BB/9, his worst mark in the majors outside of a 27 inning stint as a rookie in 2010. At the same time, his average velocity had also ticked down from 2017 through 2020 before improving last year. And, according to Brooks Baseball, he grooved his sinking fastball 10.75% of the time last year, the worst mark in his career.

It is entirely possible that Jansen continues to dominate. His track record is impressive and he has proven that he can get outs in the ninth inning for years. But there are some warning signs, and at 34 years old, it is fair to wonder if those command issues will start to catch up to him.

Nonetheless, this is the type of move that championship teams make. The Braves now, on paper at least, may have the best bullpen in the National League. It will also get even better when Kirby Yates returns from injury later this season.

The Atlanta Braves have signed Kenley Jansen to a one year deal for 2022. It turns out that there was a mystery team after him all along.