Heading into the off-season, everyone knew that pitching was a point of focus for Alex Anthopoulos and the Atlanta Braves. Whether it was going to be additions to the rotation or the bullpen, Atlanta had it on their radar to improve the pitching staff as a whole.
With this need known, many speculated and called for a reunion with former closer Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel has been utilized as a closer his entire career so the likelihood that Atlanta would sign him and remove Raisel Iglesias from a role he has been proficient in was low.
On Wednesday, Kimbrel found his new landing spot with the Baltimore Orioles. The deal is worth $13 million for one season according to Buster Onley but Kimbrel's contract also includes some incentives. It has already been announced that Kimbrel will be the O's closer.
Craig Kimbrel’s deal with the O’s: one year, $13m, with escalator incentives. He’ll be the BAL closer.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 6, 2023
Craig Kimbrel has now been a part of the following teams: Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and now Baltimore Orioles.
This may seem like a lot of jumping around but it makes sense as to why when you break down his contracts. Since leaving the Braves, Kimbrel has consistently inked short-term deals and has become a prime candidate to be traded to a contender when the deadline rolls around.
After an all-star season with the Phillies and being eliminated in the NLCS, Kimbrel has decided to join the reigning American League East Champions who have a young promising core that will make them World Series contenders for years to come.
The Orioles are getting a reliable back-end closer who was Rookie of the Year in 2011, a 9-time All-Star, and three separate "Reliever of the Year" awards. Kimbrel will take a career of 417 saves and 2.40 ERA to Camden Yards.