Craig Kimbrel, a seasoned reliever in Major League Baseball (MLB), is reportedly nearing a free-agent deal with the Baltimore Orioles, as per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Although the Orioles have yet to officially confirm this development, Kimbrel’s potential addition comes at a critical time. The Orioles are looking to bolster their bullpen, especially in light of AL Reliever of the Year Félix Bautista’s absence for the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Kimbrel’s presence alongside All-Star Yennier Cano would significantly strengthen the Orioles’ bullpen.
At 35, Kimbrel is among the most accomplished relievers in MLB history. He achieved a milestone on May 26, becoming the eighth pitcher to record 400 saves, a feat he accomplished in his 730th career game. This achievement places him behind only Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman in terms of the fewest appearances to reach 400 saves. Kimbrel was also selected for his ninth All-Star Game approximately six weeks later, a testament to his enduring skill and reputation in the league.
During his one-year contract with the Phillies, valued at $10 million, Kimbrel was named the National League Reliever of the Month for June. He concluded the 2023 regular season with an impressive performance, allowing just two earned runs through 12 innings in September. However, Kimbrel experienced a downturn during the NLCS against the D-backs in October, leading to his removal from the closer’s role. This was reminiscent of his time with the Dodgers in 2022, where a similar slump resulted in his exclusion from the NLDS roster.
Kimbrel’s career statistics are notable. He has the second-best strikeouts per nine innings (K/9) rate (14.2) among pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched and maintains high strikeout and whiff rates. Conversely, his walk rate has been above 10 percent in five of the past six seasons, and he often allows significant contact when hitters connect with his pitches. As he enters his 15th MLB season, Kimbrel holds a 2.40 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP over 757 1/3 innings, having played for teams like the Braves, Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, and Phillies. While his postseason performance isn’t as stellar, highlighted by a 4.50 ERA and 5.16 FIP, he did secure a World Series ring with Boston in 2018.
