Craig Kimbrel. The name itself conjures images of a dominant closer, a whirlwind of arms and legs culminating in a fastball that once struck fear into the hearts of hitters. For over a decade, Kimbrel has been a fixture in Major League Baseball, amassing a resume that places him among the all-time greats in his role. Now, in 2025, the 36-year-old veteran finds himself back where it all began, signing a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves, the team that drafted him and where he first established his legendary status. This article delves into the career of Craig Kimbrel, examining his rise to prominence, his statistical achievements, his recent journey, and what the future might hold for the nine-time All-Star.
Early Years and Draft
Born on May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama, Craig Michael Kimbrel excelled in both baseball and football during his time at Lee High School. However, it was on the baseball diamond where his true potential shone. He honed his skills at Wallace State Community College, where his fastball began to reach impressive velocities. It was here that the Atlanta Braves saw enough promise to select him in the third round of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft, the 96th overall pick. This marked the beginning of a professional journey that would etch his name in the annals of relief pitching history.
Rise to Dominance in Atlanta (2010-2014)
Kimbrel made his major league debut with the Braves on May 7, 2010. It didn’t take long for his talent to become undeniable. In 2011, he was named the Braves’ closer and immediately made his presence felt, setting a new MLB record for saves by a rookie with 46. His remarkable performance earned him the National League Rookie of the Year Award. This was just the beginning of a dominant stretch. From 2011 to 2014, Kimbrel led the National League in saves each season, showcasing an unparalleled level of consistency and effectiveness. During this period, he established himself as one of the most unhittable relievers in the game, boasting an intimidating fastball and a devastating slider. His strikeout rates were astronomical, and his ERA consistently hovered near microscopic levels. In his five seasons with the Braves, Kimbrel recorded a sparkling 1.43 ERA and 186 saves, becoming a beloved figure among Atlanta fans. He also earned four All-Star selections during this tenure and consistently received Cy Young Award votes, a testament to his overall impact on the game. Notably, on April 25, 2014, Kimbrel became the fastest pitcher in major league history to reach 400 career strikeouts, achieving the milestone in just 236 innings.
Journeyman Years and Continued Success (2015-2023)
On the eve of the 2015 season, the Braves traded Kimbrel to the San Diego Padres. While his time in San Diego was brief, he continued to perform at a high level, recording 39 saves. The following season, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he spent three seasons (2016-2018). His tenure in Boston included three more All-Star selections and, most importantly, a World Series championship in 2018. Kimbrel played a crucial role in the Red Sox’s title run, closing out three of their four wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Fall Classic. He reached his 300th career save with the Red Sox in May 2018, becoming the youngest pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone.
Following his time in Boston, Kimbrel’s journey took him to the Chicago Cubs (2019-2021), where he experienced some inconsistencies but still showcased flashes of his former dominance, earning another All-Star nod in 2021. He was then traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2021 and subsequently played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (2022) and the Philadelphia Phillies (2023), making his ninth All-Star team with the Phillies. Throughout these years, Kimbrel continued to accumulate saves and strikeouts, solidifying his place among the elite relievers in baseball history. On May 26, 2023, he became the eighth major league pitcher to achieve 400 career saves.
2024 Season with the Baltimore Orioles
In 2024, Kimbrel signed with the Baltimore Orioles. While he served as their closer for a significant portion of the season, his performance was somewhat inconsistent. In 57 appearances, he posted a 5.33 ERA with 23 saves but also blew six save opportunities. He recorded 73 strikeouts in 52.1 innings pitched. Despite some strong stretches, he was designated for assignment by the Orioles in September 2024.
Return to Atlanta: A Chance for Redemption (2025)
In March 2025, Craig Kimbrel agreed to a minor league deal to return to the Atlanta Braves. This move sparked considerable interest and speculation among fans and analysts. For Kimbrel, it represents a homecoming and an opportunity to potentially revive his career with the team where he first became a star. The minor league deal reportedly includes a $2 million salary if he is added to the Braves’ major league roster.
As of May 10, 2025, Kimbrel is still working his way back in the minor leagues with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett. Reports indicate that he is building up his velocity, which has been sitting in the low 90s, a slight decrease from his career averages. In his appearances in the minors, he has shown flashes of his old form, but the Braves are likely being cautious and want to ensure he is fully ready before adding him to their major league bullpen, which has been looking for consistent support behind closer Raisel Iglesias. Kimbrel himself has stated that while velocity is important, he is focusing on using his pitches effectively and masking them to get hitters out.
Pitching Style and Mechanics
Throughout his career, Craig Kimbrel has been known for his high-velocity fastball, which at its peak regularly touched the upper 90s and even triple digits. Complementing his fastball is a sharp, biting slider that has been a crucial weapon in his arsenal, generating numerous strikeouts. His pitching mechanics are distinctive, characterized by a pronounced “chicken wing” arm action during his windup. While this unique delivery has contributed to his power and deception, it has also occasionally led to control issues. Over the years, he has worked on refining his mechanics to maintain consistency and command.
Hall of Fame Chances
With 440 career saves, Craig Kimbrel currently ranks fifth on the all-time MLB saves list, behind only Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith, and Kenley Jansen. He has also amassed 1,265 career strikeouts, the third-most among relief pitchers in MLB history. His resume includes nine All-Star selections, a Rookie of the Year Award, multiple Reliever of the Year Awards in both leagues, and a World Series title.
The question of whether Craig Kimbrel will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame is a topic of ongoing debate. His statistical achievements, particularly his save totals and strikeout numbers, are certainly Hall of Fame caliber. However, some inconsistencies in recent years and a career ERA that, while still good at 2.59, is higher than some other elite closers, might give some voters pause. The induction of Billy Wagner into the Hall of Fame in 2025, another closer with impressive strikeout numbers and a lower ERA but fewer saves, could potentially open the door for Kimbrel in the future. Ultimately, his continued performance in the coming seasons, should he regain his top form, will likely play a significant role in shaping his Hall of Fame candidacy. Many analysts believe that if Kimbrel can demonstrate that he still has high-level pitching left in him, his chances of reaching Cooperstown are strong.
FAQs
Who is Craig Kimbrel?
Craig Kimbrel is an American professional baseball pitcher, born on May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama. He made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves on May 7, 2010, and quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier closers. Over his career, Kimbrel has played for several teams, including the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles. He is a nine-time All-Star and has earned accolades such as the National League Rookie of the Year (2011) and Reliever of the Year awards.
What is Craig Kimbrel’s current team?
As of May 2025, Craig Kimbrel is part of the Atlanta Braves organization. He signed a minor league contract with the Braves in March 2025, aiming to work his way back to the major league roster.
What are Craig Kimbrel’s career statistics?
Up to the 2024 season, Kimbrel has achieved:
Win–loss record: 56–47
Earned run average (ERA): 2.59
Strikeouts: 1,265
Saves: 440
In 2025, during his time with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers, Kimbrel has posted a 1.86 ERA over 9.2 innings, with 11 strikeouts and a 0.93 WHIP.
Has Craig Kimbrel reached any significant milestones?
Yes, Kimbrel became the eighth pitcher in MLB history to reach 400 career saves on May 26, 2023. He achieved this milestone in his 730th career game, making him the third-fastest to do so, behind only Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman.
What is Kimbrel’s pitching style?
Kimbrel is known for his powerful fastball, often reaching the upper 90s in velocity, and a sharp-breaking curveball. His distinctive pre-pitch stance, where he leans forward with his arm extended, has become iconic. This combination of mechanics and pitch selection has contributed to his high strikeout rates and effectiveness as a closer.
What awards and honors has Kimbrel received?
Throughout his career, Kimbrel has earned numerous accolades:
9× All-Star: 2011–2014, 2016–2018, 2021, 2023
World Series Champion: 2018 (with the Boston Red Sox)
NL Rookie of the Year: 2011
NL Rolaids Relief Man Award: 2012
Delivery Man of the Year: 2013
2× Reliever of the Year: 2014, 2017
4× NL Saves Leader: 2011–2014
What is Kimbrel’s current contract status?
In March 2025, Kimbrel signed a one-year minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. The deal is valued at $2 million if he is promoted to the major league roster. As of early May 2025, he is pitching for the Gwinnett Stripers, the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate.
What is Kimbrel’s role with the Braves in 2025?
Kimbrel is currently working to return to the major leagues by demonstrating his effectiveness in Triple-A. The Braves are evaluating his performance to determine if he can contribute to their bullpen at the MLB level. His experience and past success make him a valuable asset as he aims for a comeback.
What is known about Kimbrel’s personal life?
Craig Kimbrel is married to Ashley Holt, and the couple has two children. Their daughter, Lydia Joy, was born in 2017 with heart defects and has undergone multiple surgeries. Kimbrel is a devout Christian and has spoken about how his faith and family have influenced his life and career.
To conclude
Craig Kimbrel’s career is a testament to his skill, resilience, and dedication to the sport of baseball. From his early days with the Atlanta Braves to his current efforts to return to the major leagues, Kimbrel has consistently demonstrated excellence on the mound. His impressive statistics, numerous accolades, and significant milestones underscore his impact on the game.
As of May 2025, Kimbrel’s journey has come full circle, as he works within the Braves organization to reestablish himself at the MLB level. His presence in Triple-A reflects both his commitment to the sport and the Braves’ recognition of his potential value to their bullpen. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, hopeful that Kimbrel’s experience and talent will once again shine on the major league stage.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kimbrel’s personal story adds depth to his legacy. His family’s experiences, particularly concerning his daughter’s health challenges, have highlighted his strength and character off the field. His faith and dedication to his loved ones have been sources of inspiration to many.
In summary, Craig Kimbrel’s ongoing pursuit of excellence continues to captivate the baseball community. His career serves as a powerful example of perseverance, skill, and the enduring spirit of the game.
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