Craig Kimbrel is back with the Atlanta Braves after signing a minor league deal, according to reports from sources like Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. If he makes it to the major leagues, he’ll earn $2 million. Kimbrel will start at Triple-A Gwinnett to get back into shape.
At 37, Kimbrel’s career has been quite a journey. He began as one of baseball’s top closers when he played for the Braves from 2010 to 2014. During that time, he had a remarkable 1.43 earned run average (ERA) and struck out an impressive 42.2% of batters. He secured 185 saves, making him a standout player.
However, his last few seasons have been inconsistent. After rejecting a $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Boston Red Sox in 2018, Kimbrel struggled to find a new team until he signed with the Chicago Cubs for three years worth $43 million. Unfortunately, his performances were disappointing, finishing with a 6.53 ERA in 2019 and 5.28 in 2020.
In 2021, Kimbrel seemed to find his groove again, posting a spectacular 0.49 ERA with the Cubs. But after being traded to the White Sox, his numbers fell again to a 5.09 ERA. The Chicago White Sox exercised his club option, but he was shipped to the Dodgers just before Opening Day in 2022. Despite some good performances, he ended the season on a low note, losing his closer role.
Kimbrel’s struggles continued in 2023 and 2024, with a 3.26 ERA in his first season with the Philadelphia Phillies followed by a disappointing 5.33 ERA with the Baltimore Orioles. He was ultimately released in September 2024.
His career still boasts a solid average of 2.59 ERA and he ranks fifth on the all-time saves list. With only seven saves behind Kenley Jansen and 38 behind Lee Smith, he has the potential to climb higher if he can recapture his former self.
The Braves need Kimbrel now more than ever. Their bullpen recently took a hit as Joe Jiménez is expected to miss the entire season due to knee surgery. This opens up opportunities, but Kimbrel must prove he can still perform at a high level after a rough 2024.
At this point, it’s worth looking at how Kimbrel’s situation reflects broader trends in the league. A recent analysis showed that older pitchers are often given second and third chances if they have a strong history. Kimbrel is a prime candidate for this support, but he’ll need to show he can compete.
The Braves are also balancing their payroll closely to avoid exceeding the competitive balance tax. With a projected payroll of around $230 million, they are hoping these minor league deals, including Kimbrel’s, might turn out to be smart investments. This strategy could highlight a trend across many teams to take calculated risks to strengthen their rosters without overspending.
Kimbrel’s comeback story is one to watch. He enters Atlanta’s mix of non-roster veterans, all fighting for a spot in the big leagues. Despite recent challenges, he carries the most impressive resume of the group. Fans and analysts alike are curious to see if he can overcome past disappointments and return to form with the Braves.
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