News has surfaced that Craig Kimbrel is headed to a new MLB team, a move that comes after a challenging month for the Houston Astros.
According to reports from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Astros are bringing the seasoned closer directly onto their major league roster. Sources indicate that the right-handed pitcher is en route to Baltimore, where he is slated to join the team as they engage in a four-game series against the Orioles this week.
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At 37, Kimbrel’s performance is not quite at the level it was during his peak as one of baseball’s most formidable relief pitchers. While he still holds the fifth position on the MLB all-time saves leaderboard, his ERA has been 4.00 over the last four seasons. During this period, his strenuous and unpredictable outings have led to discontent among fans of several teams.
Following a difficult season with the Orioles the previous year, Kimbrel initially secured only a minor-league contract, returning to the Atlanta Braves for 2025. Despite this, he was not successful in making the MLB team following spring training, his call-up was delayed until June, and he was subsequently designated for assignment following just one appearance where he did not allow a run.
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He subsequently joined the Texas Rangers but was let go on Thursday after participating in 24 games with Triple-A Round Rock. During his time with the Rangers organization, his ERA was 3.86.
Kimbrel’s addition could potentially improve the Astros’ performance, considering their recent bullpen struggles. The team’s bullpen ERA ranks 27th over the last month, and they will be without their usual closer, Josh Hader, until nearly the end of the regular season.
After being ahead in the AL West by as many as seven games, Houston’s record has been 14-23 since July 7 as of Thursday, and they are currently focused on holding off the Seattle Mariners.
