Baltimore Orioles player Craig Kimbrel walks off the field during a game, displaying a calm and reflective demeanor. ©Ideogram
In a surprising move just before the MLB playoffs, the Baltimore Orioles have designated nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel for assignment, ending his tenure with the team. The decision follows a rough second half of the season for the veteran reliever, who struggled to maintain his earlier success. In a corresponding move, the Orioles have recalled reliever Bryan Baker from the minors.
Kimbrel’s Ups and Downs with the Orioles
Kimbrel, who signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Orioles this offseason, experienced a strong start to the year. Before the All-Star break, he recorded 23 saves and posted an impressive 2.80 ERA across 35 ⅓ innings. However, the latter part of the season was a stark contrast, with Kimbrel amassing a 10.59 ERA in 17 innings, yielding 22 hits and 15 walks.
This late-season collapse echoes a similar narrative from Kimbrel’s previous season with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he also began strong but faltered dramatically. He was an All-Star in 2023 but struggled down the stretch, notably blowing saves, including a pivotal Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.
A Storied Career in Jeopardy
The designation raises questions about Kimbrel’s future in baseball as he grapples with a potential end to a 15-year career that has included stints with eight different teams. With a career total of 440 saves, Kimbrel ranks fifth on the all-time list, a statistic that could bolster his case for a spot in the Hall of Fame.
His impressive resume includes leading the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons from 2011-2014 as a member of the Atlanta Braves. Over his career, Kimbrel has maintained a record of 56-47 and a 2.59 ERA across 809 ⅔ innings pitched.
As Kimbrel reflects on his illustrious career, he will be remembered as one of the most dominant closers of his generation. Whether this marks the conclusion of his journey remains to be seen, but for now, he faces an uncertain future as the Orioles gear up for the postseason without their once-reliable closer.
Looking Ahead
The Orioles’ decision to part ways with Kimbrel could shift the dynamics of their bullpen as they prepare for the playoff push. With the regular season nearing its end, every decision counts, and the team will look to maximize its chances of success in October. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this decision pays off and how Kimbrel’s career unfolds from here.
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