Craig Kimbrel Signs Minor League Deal with Braves
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Atlanta Braves have signed right-handed pitcher Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract. If promoted to the major league team, Kimbrel is set to earn a $2 million salary, as reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN. He is expected to take some time to prepare before joining Triple-A Gwinnett, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Kimbrel’s Recent Career Trajectory
Turning 37 in May, Kimbrel’s career has seen significant ups and downs. He was once one of the most dominant closers in baseball, particularly during his time with Atlanta from 2010 to 2014. Over this period, he logged 289 innings with an impressive 1.43 earned run average (ERA) and secured 185 saves in a four-year span.
Struggles in the Free Agency Market
After hitting free agency in 2018, Kimbrel rejected a $17.9 million qualifying offer from Boston, resulting in a decline in his market interest. He eventually signed a three-year, $43 million contract with the Cubs, but struggled significantly upon arrival, posting a 6.53 ERA in his 23 appearances in 2019.
Attempts at a Comeback
In 2021, Kimbrel appeared to bounce back with a stellar 0.49 ERA over 39 games for the Cubs, although he faltered again after being traded to the White Sox. The Sox picked up his $16 million option, but he was traded to the Dodgers before the 2022 season, where he experienced further inconsistency.
Recent Performance and Outlook
For the 2023 season, Kimbrel signed with the Phillies on a one-year, $10 million deal, showing signs of resurgence with a 3.26 ERA over 71 appearances. However, his tenure with the Orioles in 2024 resulted in a disappointing 5.33 ERA, leading to his designation for assignment.
Potential Opportunity with the Braves
With Kimbrel’s extensive experience, the Braves see minimal risk in offering him a minor league deal. This allows them to evaluate his performance closely in the coming weeks. The Braves recently faced a setback in their bullpen with the news that Joe Jiménez might miss the entire season, increasing the need for reliable pitching options.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Kimbrel’s impressive career statistics, including a career 2.59 ERA and ranking fifth all-time in saves, provide a strong foundation, although his recent performances have raised concerns. The Braves’ minor league agreement offers a chance for Kimbrel to reclaim his former prowess, while the organization looks to fill its roster with capable veterans, hoping some will emerge as valuable assets.
