When Craig Kimbrel returned to the Atlanta Braves last season after over a decade since last playing for the team, everyone wanted it to work out. Not only did the Braves desperately need the help in the bullpen at the time, but it would have been a great storyline amidst a season that was lacking in them. Unfortunately, his tenure proved to be short and disappointing.
It was clear, as Kimbrel was working his way back through his minor league rehab, that the Braves were extremely hesitant to give him a shot. While the numbers looked good in the minors and fans were clamoring to see Kimbrel in action, Atlanta was extremely methodical in how they chose to handle him, which probably should have been a clue. After finally making just a single appearance in the majors, the Braves unceremoniously sent Kimbrel packing.
One can reasonably take issue with how Atlanta handled Kimbrel's second stint, and he did pitch decently after landing with the Astros. However, now that Kimbrel failed to make the Mets' roster, it is just time for him to call it a career.
Craig Kimbrel needs to take a hint and realize that he needs to retire to protect his legacy
Kimbrel recently talked about knowing that the end of his career was coming fast before the Mets opted not to include him on their Opening Day roster. In his own words, Kimbrel said, "We’re getting close to the end. My body feels good. I wish I could show a little bit more out there velocity-wise. I’m throwing most of my pitches like I want to, but not all of them. That’s about where I am.”
Oddly enough, that Kimbrel said his body feels good, yet he still looks like a shadow of his former self is telling. A pitcher doesn't have to be in pain when they are throwing to be done. Father Time is undefeated, and over time, guys just lose the strength and arm speed needed to be competitive. It is an unfortunate, yet inevitable, thing that all elite-level players must confront at some point.
The concern, of course, is that Kimbrel will continue to hang around and potentially tarnish what could be a Hall of Fame legacy. We've seen this before, even with other all-time greats that had nothing left to prove to anyone. The late, great Willie Mays is on the short list for the best baseball players of all time, and he spent the last two years of his 23-season-long career mostly with the Mets and barely scraping by with a .733 OPS. For those who grew up idolizing the Say Hey Kid, it was hard to watch.
One hopes that Kimbrel heeds his own words here. His mind and spirit may want to keep playing, and Kimbrel may think he can still compete, but his body just can't do it anymore, and that is okay. There is no shame whatsoever in knowing when it is time to call it quits and enjoy a well-earned retirement. Nearly the entire league is giving him the hint that it is time, and now it is up to him to take that hint.