The Angels are banking on a mentorship dynamic similar to that of Troy Percival and Lee Smith, as Kenley Jansen steps into the closer role while guiding rising star Ben Joyce. Jansen, with 447 saves, mirrors Smith's experience as he helps Joyce navigate the pressures of closing. Joyce, a flamethrower who averaged over 102 mph last season, seeks to learn from Jansen's vast knowledge of the game, especially handling high-pressure situations and the mental fortitude needed for success. This relationship could be crucial for Joyce's development, potentially setting him up for a long and successful career as a closer.

As Jansen shares insights on how to approach failure and the day-to-day routines that sustain a long career, Joyce expresses his eagerness to absorb this wisdom. The parallels between Jansen and Smith's mentorship roles underscore the Angels' hope that this partnership will yield dividends, cultivating Joyce into the next top closer in baseball.

The Los Angeles Angels have made a significant addition to their bullpen by signing veteran closer Kenley Jansen. With an impressive career tally of 447 saves, Jansen is only 32 saves away from being the third all-time leader in MLB history. However, his recent performance raises concerns; over the past two seasons, he converted 56 of 64 save opportunities with a 3.44 ERA and a strikeout rate that dipped to a career-low in 2024. He also finished the year on the injured list due to a shoulder issue.

Competing for save opportunities in the Angels' bullpen is the flamethrowing Ben Joyce, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with injuries. After a promising return from elbow surgery, Joyce recorded a 0.83 ERA over his final innings but remains a risk in fantasy leagues due to his injury history and uncertain role following Jansen's signing. Given the Angels' previous struggles with saves, finishing 26th in the league last year, Jansen's experience may prove crucial in stabilizing their late-inning efforts.

In a surprising yet strategic move, the Los Angeles Angels secured veteran closer Kenley Jansen for a one-year, $10 million deal just before spring training. Despite being 37 years old, Jansen's track record is impressive, having recorded at least 25 saves in every full season since 2012. Although his strikeout rate has been declining, his reliance on an elite cutter, which he now throws 85% of the time, keeps his fantasy value intact.

Jansen's addition could mean between 20-25 saves in about 50 innings with a 3.40-3.50 ERA. The Angels' bullpen is now highlighted by Jansen, while younger arms like Ben Joyce may see their roles diminished as they adapt to his presence. Given the Angels’ roster moves this offseason, Jansen also stands as a potential trade asset for contenders should the Angels fall out of playoff contention.

The Los Angeles Angels concluded the 2024 season with a disappointing 63-99 record, highlighted by a concerning strikeout rate from their pitching staff. With only a 20.4 percent strikeout rate, the Angels ranked among the worst in Major League Baseball, only surpassing the Colorado Rockies. The team's struggles on the mound raise questions about how they will improve their strikeout capabilities heading into the next season.

This offseason, the Angels have made some moves to bolster their rotation, acquiring starting pitchers Yusei Kikuchi and Kyle Hendricks. Kikuchi, who had a notable 28.0 percent strikeout rate in 2024, performed even better with the Houston Astros, achieving a 31.8 percent rate after adjusting his pitch mix. In contrast, Hendricks posted a lower 15.3 percent strikeout rate while with the Chicago Cubs, leaving doubts about his potential for improvement next season.

In addition to the new starters, the Angels are evaluating options from their bullpen to address the strikeout deficit. Ben Joyce, who had a 2.08 ERA over 34.2 innings, recorded a 23.2 percent strikeout rate, which, while decent, does not meet elite standards. There is speculation that Joyce could step into a closer role if he continues to develop, but the Angels need to enhance their pitching staff further.

General manager Perry Minasian has indicated that the team is not finished making offseason moves. He emphasized the need for improvements across multiple areas, including the rotation, lineup, bullpen, and bench depth. Minasian stated, “We’ve been pretty aggressive and we’re going to continue to be aggressive,” hinting at ongoing efforts to strengthen the roster. He stressed the importance of a solid rotation and expressed a desire to add another bat to the lineup, as well as enhance the overall depth of the team.

Additionally, the Angels are reportedly open to trading Luis Rengifo in a potential blockbuster deal, signaling that they are exploring various avenues to improve their squad ahead of the 2025 season.

The Los Angeles Angels have been the most active team in MLB free agency this offseason, signing several players including left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. Despite a disastrous 2024 season, the Angels are attempting to revamp their roster under GM Perry Minasian's directive to stay competitive.

Owner Artie Moreno's approach has been criticized for lacking a long-term vision, but recent signings aim to improve the team's depth. While there are reasons for cautious optimism, many believe the Angels will still struggle in the upcoming season.