When the Atlanta Braves signed Craig Kimbrel right before the season, there was a mix of optimism, nostalgia, and some understandable skepticism. While the terms of Kimbrel's deal minimize the financial risk on the Braves' side, his struggles in recent years combined with all of the miles on that arm has many fans worried that this reunion could end up being a disappointment.
That said, we are still talking about one of the best relievers to ever play the game here. Kimbrel was probably the best reliever in baseball from 2010-2018 and while his performance has dipped, he has still managed to make nine All-Star teams and has a pretty compelling Hall of Fame case unless you are in the camp that relievers should almost never get in.
Asking Kimbrel to return to his early 2010's form is probably too much to ask. However, he did have a pair of pretty good seasons in 2022 and 2023 and after his minor league debut for the Braves, there is hope he could have at least one last run left in him.
Craig Kimbrel shoved in his first Braves minor league appearance which could mean big things for 2025
For the uninitiated, the Braves have a new Double-A affiliate this year in the Columbus Clingstones and that is where Kimbrel got placed to start the season while he ramps up. The name feels a little like a missed opportunity compared to other minor league branding rollouts in recent years, but the peach uniforms are a nice change of pace.
This was just against Double-A hitters early in the season, but Kimbrel did not disappoint. Not only did he pitch a scoreless inning, but he struck out the first two batters he faced and one walk was the only blemish on his line. Assuming he can string together a few strong appearances and he checks all the boxes, he will be in Atlanta soon.
Will Kimbrel emerge as a force out of the Braves bullpen again? Honestly, probably not as he struggled last year with Baltimore and he is 36 years old with declining stuff. However, the guy still knows how to pitch and he almost certainly would love to add another World Series title to his mantle before he retires. A motivated and healthy Kimbrel can help this Braves team in desperate need of some energy and life even if he isn't the guy closing games out with ease anymore.