Craig Kimbrel's return to the Atlanta Braves did not go the way anyone wanted. Obviously it isn't like the Braves didn't want Kimbrel to excel after they signed him and Kimbrel clearly wanted to use this opportunity in Atlanta to show that he can still pitch at the highest level. Instead, Kimbrel made his 2025 Braves debut with greatly diminished stuff and Atlanta sent him packing after one appearance and a lot of "welcome back" pageantry. Not a great look for anybody.
There is little value in re-litigating the moves itself. The Braves did not want him on the roster anymore and Kimbrel declared free agency. However, Kimbrel is too well-regarded around the league to not get another job somewhere else and he just got it after signing a minor league deal with the Rangers.
Craig Kimbrel signing minor-league deal with Rangers, source tells @TheAthletic. Kimbrel elected free agency after the Braves designated him for assignment.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 10, 2025
Craig Kimbrel just found a new job with the Rangers, but the same hurdles remain
Honestly, good for Kimbrel and hopefully he finds a role in the big leagues with Texas. The Rangers have a team that could make noise and assuming Kimbrel can find a way to pitch well despite being a shadow of his former self in terms of stuff, he could potentially help them.
It was pretty telling that Kimbrel had to settle for a minor league deal, however. Kimbrel already did all the building up he felt he needed to do with the Braves and the result was a guy that very obviously didn't look like a pitcher you want on the mound in a tight spot. Kimbrel may have an intimidating aura, but that 91 mph fastball and below average curve wasn't scaring anyone.
Again, hopefully there are no hard feelings. Atlanta is desperately trying to turn their season around and cannot afford to hesitate when something isn't right. Unfortunately, it did mean disrespecting a Braves legend and unceremonious sending him to the unemployment line.