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.