Former Dodgers closer just expressed intention to solidify his spot in MLB history

For a long while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kenley Jansen was the most dominant closer in the sport, grabbing the torch from the legendary Mariano Rivera when the Hall of Famer retired after the 2013 season.

While he's no longer at that same elite level, the two-time Hoffman Award winner is still plenty effective, which has allowed him to continue compiling milestones as he looks to cement his Hall of Fame legacy.

With the resume he's put together, and with his 38th birthday approaching at the end of September, one wouldn't blame Jansen for wanting to wind down his career. Most would in his shoes. However, Jansen has other plans, which include playing for four more seasons.

Former Dodgers great Kenley Jansen announces plans to play four more seasons while chasing history

On the season, Jansen has compiled a 2.79 ERA over 42 innings pitched, racking up 20 saves in the process to bring his career save total to 467. That number puts the big righty fourth all-time in saves behind a trio of Hall of Famers.

Next up in his crosshairs is the legendary Lee Smith at 478, a mark Jansen could conceivably eclipse by season's end, though his chances of reaching that milestone will be heavily influenced by the support he receives from his current club, the ever-erratic Los Angeles Angels.

Regardless of whether or not he surpasses Smith this season or early next year, 500 saves should be on the table should he play in 2026. Under his plan, third-place on the career saves leaderboard seems etched in stone, but rising above that already lofty perch will be more difficult.

Trevor Hoffman sits in second place with 601 saves, meaning Jansen could conceivably surpass his total should he remain healthy and effective over the upcoming four seasons. 185 saves currently separate Jansen from Mariano Rivera for the top spot, making it technically possible that the Curacao native could reach that mountain top, though it is highly unlikely.

Aside from staying productive and healthy for four more seasons, where Jansen lands to play out his golden years will matter a lot in his pursuits. While the Angels have been better this season than they have in previous years, they still aren't true contenders, which limits Jansen's chances.

A free-agent-to-be, where he winds up next will be super important. Perhaps a reunion with the Dodgers will be in the cards, which, despite a small spat with Dodgers fans who thought he was cooked, has always been something Jansen has desired.

It's too early to tell, but that might make sense for both sides, as the Dodgers have seen what they thought would be a super bullpen underwhelm at points. Closing for a top-tier contender like LA would give Jansen the best opportunity to reach his personal milestones.

Whatever the case may be, Jansen is putting the finishing touches on a very solid Hall of Fame case, regardless of whether or not he actually goes through with his plan and pitches into his 40s.