For the second consecutive year, Dodgers All-Star closer Kenley Jansen has taken home the prestigious ‘Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award,’ presented annually to the outstanding relief pitcher in the league. The presentation was made on Saturday afternoon prior to game-4 of the 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.

The 6’-5” / 275-pound Willemstad, Curacao native edged out Milwaukee Brewers closer Corey Knebel and Chicago Cubs closer Wade Davis for the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a National League reliever.

Jansen had yet another phenomenal season in 2017, during which he posted career numbers across the board. He began the 2017 campaign by setting a Major League record for the most consecutive strikeouts without issuing a walk with his 51 punch outs. That strikeout total was almost half of his 109 strikeouts against only seven walks in his 68.1 total innings pitched during the regular season. He also converted 41 saves in 42 opportunities while posting a minuscule 1.32 ERA.

“It’s awesome. Just to be sitting here with some of the best relievers in the game,” said a visibly excited Jansen, with the award’s namesake next to him.

(L to R) Trevor Hoffman, Jansen, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Mariano Rivera.
(Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)

Hoffman, one of the greatest closers to have ever played the game, spent 15 of his 18 MLB seasons with the San Diego Padres, during which time he amassed 601 career saves, second most in MLB history behind only longtime New York Yankees closer (and the American League’s so-named award) Mariano Rivera‘s 652 career saves. The 2017 Mariano Rivera Award went to Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel.

Both league’s winners were selected by a group of the best relief pitchers to have ever played the game, consisting of Hoffman, Rivera, Rollie Fingers, Bruce Sutter, Dennis Eckersley, John Franco, Lee Smith and Billy Wagner.

The entire staff at Think Blue LA extends a hearty congratulation to Kenley Jansen and his family, and wish him continued success in the 2017 World Series and in the future.