It’s going to be interesting to see how the Texas Rangers attack MLB free agency this year. With the Rangers looking to build on their 81-win season in 2025, Kenley Jansen could be a great option who’s not really being talked about much.
To get a better understanding of where the Rangers are in terms of their team build, here’s a brief breakdown from my prior article. “From 2017 to 2022, the Rangers never even made the playoffs. Then, during their first playoff run after their drought, they won the World Series…After winning the World Series, the Rangers have failed to make the playoffs in both of the last two years, and their record declined to 81-81 in 2025.”
This quote was taken from the same article that explains why the Rangers should sign Kyle Schwarber if possible. Although the Rangers only won 81 games last year, they’re in the perfect spot to make some moves.
If not, the Rangers are at risk of staying stagnant and not being able to make that jump back to the postseason.
This is a PREDICTION, not a REPORT.
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Kenley Jansen Joining Texas Rangers in MLB Free Agency
Even though Kenley Jansen is now 38 years old, he had a great 2025 season. In fact, in terms of WAR, Jansen had his best mark since 2021.
Last year, Jansen had 2.4 WAR, 2.59 ERA, and a 0.949 WHIP. Although these numbers look good, the Baseball Savant page for Jansen looks even better.
Jansen was in the 79th percentile for his Pitching Run Value, 86th for Fastball Run Value, and 48th for Breaking Run Value. Especially for a veteran, these numbers are phenomenal.
How Kenley Jansen Fits with the Texas Rangers
Last year, Jansen was on the Los Angeles Angels, who won 72 games, though. It’s hard to believe Jansen would want to come back to the Angels, especially considering he’s only spent one year there.
Although Jansen already has a World Series ring, it would make sense for him to want to play for a contender. While the Rangers aren’t a powerhouse right now, they’re much better than the Angels.
Right now, Fangraphs has Luis Curvelo as one of the main bullpen pitchers for the Rangers next year. In 2025, Curvelo played in his first MLB season, but he was a bit disappointing.
Curvelo had -0.4 WAR, 5.68 ERA, and a 1.421. At only 25 years old, though, Curvelo has more time to develop.
It would make a lot more sense for the Rangers to fit Jansen into their bullpen next year to add some more production while also allowing their younger guys more time to develop.
Kenley Jansen Stats
If you’re a baseball fan, you know that Jansen has been a phenomenal player. Jansen has now officially played in the MLB for 16 years, where he’s had some great stats.
Jansen has a lifetime 24.4 WAR, 2.57 ERA, and 0.962. Over that span, Jansen has made the All-Star game four times, won a World Series, and won the NL Reliever of the Year twice.
Beyond just that, Jansen had a really strong xERA of 3.71 and a xBA of .215 in 2025. Despite being an older pitcher now, being able to sign Kenley Jansen would be a great move for the Texas Rangers.