There have been many great relievers in Atlanta Braves history. Pitching has long been something the organization prides itself on. It's always been something fans can expect to be great. 2025 has been a test of their ability to find good pitching to fill gaps in the rotation. However, that's the nature of baseball. There are going to be struggles. However, back in 2011, the Braves were known for having arguably the best bullpen in baseball.
But there was one pitcher in particular who burst onto the scene and quickly captured the hearts of Braves fans. Craig Kimbrel benefitted from sitting under Hall of Fame closer Billy Wagner at the end of the 2010 season. Kimbrel gave everyone a taste of what was to come with a 0.44 ERA over 20 innings. However, his rookie season in 2011 is one for the record books.
The flamethrowing right-hander set the rookie record for saves in a season on August 31st, 2011. This record was set at Turner Field against the Nationals, where Kimbrel earned his 41st save. This save broke a record set by Neftali Feliz just one season prior.
On this date 14 years ago, Braves' Craig Kimbrel set the rookie saves record
Kimbrel went on to save 46 games in 2011, and this record will likely remain for a while. 40+ saves is a difficult mark to reach by most veterans, but for a rookie to do so is practically unheard of.
Atlanta's former closer went on to have a great career with the organization over the next five years. He had an absurd 1.43 ERA over 289 innings with 108 walks and 476 strikeouts. The Braves traded him to San Diego in 2015 as the organization was in the middle of a rebuild.
Kimbrel continued to pitch well over the years with multiple teams. He has pitched for the Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, Orioles, and Astros. There was a brief return to Atlanta in 2025, but he appeared in just one game before the team shockingly cut ties with him.
He has a strong case for the Hall of Fame with a career ERA of 2.58 and 440 saves. This has him ranked fifth in MLB history for saves by a closer. It's been sad to see his struggles over the last couple of years, but fans will never forget the excitement he brought at the start of his career.