Which 2026 MLB Deadline candidate was originally a catcher before becoming a closer?

Which 2026 MLB Deadline candidate was originally a catcher before becoming a closer? Kenley Jansen was the catcher who converted into a closer.

The Curaçao-born Jansen signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an undrafted free-agent catcher in 2004. He played behind the plate in the minor leagues and caught for the Netherlands during the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

The Dodgers persuaded him to switch positions during the 2009 season because his future at catcher looked uncertain. Under the guidance of former major-league knuckleballer Charlie Hough, Jansen began pitching and quickly developed into a hard-throwing relief prospect.

He made his MLB debut as a pitcher in 2010 and became the Dodgers' closer in 2012. His cutter and strikeout ability made him one of baseball's most recognizable relievers. Jansen reached 300 career saves in 2019 and became the seventh pitcher to reach 400 in 2023.