Brewers alumni home run derby is a hit
The Milwaukee Brewers held an alumni home run derby as part of their 25th anniversary celebration of American Family Field on July 25, 2025.
With the July 31 trade deadline nearing, the Brewers added depth and insurance to the catcher spot when they reportedly acquired veteran backstop Danny Jansen from the Tampa Bay Rays.
With William Contreras playing with a fractured finger much of the season and struggling offensively, Jansen gives the Brewers more flexibility behind the plate.
Jansen has shown the ability to hit for some power in a part-time role during his career with 85 home runs.
He also could soon become a fan favorite at American Family Field as he attended Appleton West High School, before being selected in the 16th round of the 2013 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Here’s a little more of a glance of what to know about Jansen:
What are Danny Jansen’s 2025 statistics?
Jansen is hitting .204 in 73 games with 11 home runs and 29 RBI. He has 66 strikeouts in 221 at-bats and 33 walks.
How old is Danny Jansen?
30. His birthday is April 15, 1995.
Is Danny Jansen from Wisconsin?
Jansen was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, but he is a graduate of Appleton West High School.
What other teams has Danny Jansen played with?
Jansen played with the Tampa Bay Rays this season and briefly with the Boston Red Sox last season, but the majority of his first seven years in the big leagues were spent with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Did Danny Jansen play for two different teams in the same game?
Yes, on June 26, 2024, Jansen was the catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Jansen was at-bat with an 0-1 count when the game was suspended due to rain in the second inning and Jansen was traded to the Red Sox about a month later.
On Aug. 27, that game in June between the Blue Jays and Red Sox resumed, Boston’s starting catcher in the suspended game, Reese McGuire had been demoted to Class AAA Pawtucket, and Jansen replaced McGuire on the June 26 lineup card for Boston. Jansen became the first player to play for two teams in the same game.
Is it true that Danny Jansen does not wear batting gloves?
Yes, Jansen does not like hitting with gloves.
Why does Danny Jansen wear glasses?
He was diagnosed with astigmatism in both eyes after his 2016 season in the minor leagues and his averages improved over 100 points in 2017 after wearing spectacles.
Is Jansen known for his defense?
Jansen has had trouble framing pitches this season and has a 2 defensive runs saved DRS metric.
What is Jansen’s contract status?
He has a $12 million mutual option with a $500,000 buyout for 2026. He signed an $8 million deal with the Rays this season.
Who was Jansen traded for?
Minor league infielder Jadher Areinamo, currently ranked No. 21 in the Brewers’ farm system.