Tigers Manager Taps Kenley Jansen as Favorite for Closer Role

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch indicated Wednesday that Kenley Jansen is the team's favorite to open the 2026 season as closer. Hinch referenced Jansen's 'historic number of saves,' noting he is 24 saves shy of 500. While Will Vest and Kyle Finnegan are next-in-line, the 38-year-old is expected to be the first choice. In 2025 with the Angels, Jansen posted a 2.59 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 29 saves, despite a career-low 24.4% strikeout rate.