Former Atlanta Bravescloser Craig Kimbrel hasn't followed the best path when it comes to authoring the end of an incredibly accomplished career. The once dominant right-hander struggled with the Baltimore Orioles in the 2024 season and hasn't been able to find a stable landing spot in the two years since. Failed tenures with the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, and Tampa Bay Rays appeared to be setting the stage for a forced retirement for the reliever. However, a surprise team stepped in, with the Kansas City Royals handing Kimbrel an opportunity.
One that the starter has taken full advantage of through the early part of his tenure. It has been impressive enough that there is room to wonder if Kimbrel might have a chance to find another opportunity next season if he wishes to continue playing. The aging star has offered the Royals 5.1 scoreless frames, picking up a win and giving a struggling unit a shocking level of consistency.
Kimbrel is relying on seeking out contact rather with a once elite strikeout ability, no longer something he can lean on. There have been only a trio of strikeouts since Kimbrel joined the Kansas City roster, pointing to a decline in a mix of pitches that were once unstoppable. Still, it is a positive sign for a player who has bounced around the league and hasn't been able to find any level of stability.
Former Braves Closer Craig Kimbrel Stabilizing Career with Kansas City Royals
The Royals are sitting at the bottom of the American League Central and playing for nothing of note in the final month of the season. It is a bit of a surprise that they even handed Kimbrel the chance to eat innings, with every reason to argue that younger pieces should be eating innings. Still, it is an opportunity that Kimbrel has taken full advantage of, breathing life into a career that appeared to be already at its end.
If Kimbrel is able to continue this momentum, the current Royal will at least have the option to continue his career. Braves fans can't help but appreciate Kimbrel performing at a more consistent level and not going out in completely sad fashion.
The closer still leads Atlanta in all-time saves and was one of the league's most dominating forces at his peak. Rarely does a closer reach the level that Kimbrel achieved in his first season with Atlanta, pointing to a career that has tallied 441 saves, good enough for fifth in Major League history.
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