TheAtlanta Braves reunited with theirall-time saves leader Craig Kimbrel in the 2025 season in a short-lived stint that included only a scoreless frame before the right-hander was jettisoned. It was a questionable decision the way Atlanta handled it, but there is no denying a trend was emerging. Kimbrel had previously struggled with the Orioles and Phillies before joining Atlanta and would follow this up with failed stints with the Rays and Mets. Still, the Kansas City Royals had nothing to lose in giving the aging star one last chance.
Kimbrel has taken advantage of the opportunity, thriving with the Royals and breathing life back into a career that appeared to be over. The reliever has pitched 6.1 scoreless frames with Kansas City and done so while only giving up a lone hit and picking up a win. It is great to see a struggling player able to put his career back on track and perhaps have a chance to go out in better fashion.
No longer is the former closer a dominating presence on the mound, but one who appears to have learned to pitch to contact. Kimbrel has changed his game, and there is a level of hope that perhaps next season this could translate into a productive final season.
There is also the possibility that Kimbrel is pitching his final season and will opt to retire on a high note after two years of struggles. No matter how things play out, it is refreshing to see the former Brave find his footing again.
Former Braves Closer Craig Kimbrel Offering Royals Quality Innings in Surprise Comeback
Kimbrel has 441 career saves and has cemented himself as a future Hall-of-Fame reliever and a part of Atlanta history. Still, there is no arguing that seeing an aging version of Kimbrel breathe life into the final act of his career is a fun story for Atlanta fans even at this late stage. It does beg the question as well whether or not the Braves made a mistake not giving Kimbrel more of an opportunity to figure things out at the back of the bullpen a season ago.
Atlanta has consistently rotated the final spots in its bullpen, leaving every reason to argue Kimbrel could've had a more positive impact in this role as a mentor and garbage-time option. Atlanta clearly didn't view it this way and opted to turn the page after one lone road inning.
This pushed the reliever on his current path, where Kansas City has found an unlikely contributor. One who now has a clear chance to continue a career that appeared to be coming to a forced end earlier in the 2026 season.
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