The Braves made a surprise move on Tuesday night, signing former closer Craig Kimbrel. The deal is a minor league pact that is worth up to $2 million if Kimbrel is able to make the roster.
This signing was done with the expectation Kimbrel is going to need time to get back up to speed. Kimbrel will go through an extended spring training before reporting to the minor leagues. As long as Kimbrel is able to perform at the lower levels, the Braves will quickly elevate the veteran with an open mind as to what role he can fill.
Since leaving the Braves long ago the veteran has made stops with the Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, and Orioles. Kimbrel remained a consistent contributor with 11 strong seasons out of his 15 years in the league.
The only consistent struggles were through the 2019-2021 seasons. Kimbrel would put his career back on track with the Dodgers and Phillies posting back-to-back seasons contributing at a high level for postseason teams.
FYI on #Braves' newly signed Craig Kimbrel: In '24 he had a solid 3.21 ERA and held opponents to .176 avg & .583 OPS in 46 appearances through Aug. 6, but had a 13.94 ERA in his final 11 appearances w/ .318 opp AVG & 1.062 opp OPS. Had 12 K, 9 BB, 3 HR in 10 1/3 IP in those 6 wks
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 18, 2025
The struggles returned for Kimbrel at the end of last season after a solid start with the Orioles. However, this was enough to change the veteran's market and leave him open to a return to Atlanta on a minor-league deal. A reunion makes sense for both sides with the Braves searching for cheap bullpen depth and Kimbrel's upside remaining obvious.
Kimbrel memorably had his start with Atlanta under the tutelage of well-respected veteran closer Billy Wagner. The veteran helped Kimbrel make the jump to the next level and quickly Kimbrel became one of the most dominating late-inning arms in the league.
Kimbrel would pass John Smoltz during his time with the Braves to become the all-time leader in saves. While these days are behind the veteran there is every reason to believe he can still contribute to a winning team.
Before the wheels fell off at the end of the season Kimbrel was an important arm for Baltimore. The season before the veteran helped the Phillies in a surprise 2023 surge. Atlanta doesn't need Kimbrel to be the player he was when he first debuted in the 2010 season.
Kimbrel simply needs to be a veteran the Braves can lean on to help stabilize the middle of the bullpen. Considering Atlanta's ability to get the best out of overlooked players this is an ideal fit that gives Kimbrel the chance to end a Hall of Fame career where it began.