For several decades the merit of a successful or dominant closer was based on his number of saves. The evaluation has become more progressive in recent years, and last October marked a renaissance that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kenley Jansen were part of.
Of Jansen’s seven playoff appearances, five were more than one inning of work. He pitched at least two frames in three games, including a career-high three innings against the Chicago Cubs in Game 6 of the 2016 National League Championship Series.
Jansen has highlighted that experience as a turning point in his career.